Great news at Westborough
20 February 2008
Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Shahid Malik joined staff and students at Westborough High School to celebrate the news that the school has been awarded specialist status by the Dept for Education.Westborough will specialise in the areas of business, enterprise and the arts, and the announcement will mean extra investment in facilities and equipment worth £130,000 per year and £100,000 in capital investment.
The Dewsbury and Mirfield MP brought Schools Minister Jim Knight to the school last year where they discussed Westborough's bid for specialist status. This week he visited on his own but brought congratulations from the Schools Minister. Mr Malik chatted with staff and pupils as he toured the school, and said "It is fantastic news for the school and a real boost for education in the area. I know that the staff, led by Janet Pruchniewicz the headteacher have worked tirelessly with parents and pupils to achieve this status and I have no doubt they will go from strength to strength."
Headteacher Janet Pruchniewicz said "This is an outstanding achievement and we are very proud to be making such fantastic progress. I would like to say a big thank you to the staff at the school, as without the improved GCSE results we would not have been able to achieve this. I would also like to thank Mr Malik who as our MP has been incredibly supportive of our efforts."
Westborough High School had to raise £50,000 in private sponsorship and draw up a four-year plan which showed how the school could benefit the area, other schools and links with the local community. The school hopes the status will allow them to develop Specialist Diplomas and vocational qualifications, bringing the latest technology and business and art professionals into the school.