BACKWELL School is celebrating after being granted teaching school status.

The school is one of less than 100 schools in the country to be recognised by the National College for School Leadership, enabling it to lead training and professional development of staff in North Somerset and Somerset areas.

The Teaching Schools initiative, which began last autumn, means schools can head a group of schools, working with other organisations including at least one university, to provide high quality teacher training and support for teaching staff.

Headteacher Julian Baldwin said: “We are absolutely delighted.

“Becoming a teaching school, and the funding that comes with it, will enable us to continue to develop and use our expertise and experience in professional development and teacher training, which we have honed over recent years, first as a Beacon School, then as a Training School, and for which Backwell School is justifiably renowned.”

Mr Baldwin will attend the National College’s Learning and Conference Centre in Nottingham this month for a formal induction.

Chief Executive of the National College, Steve Munby, said: “Teaching schools like Backwell need to be at the top of their game to take on this role - outstanding in their own performance and have a track record of raising standards through school-to-school support.”

The organisation also announced Mr Baldwin has been made a National Leader in Education.

The role, which can only be taken up by headteachers judged by Ofsted to be ‘outstanding’ leaders, will involve providing support and guidance to other schools in the area.

Mr Baldwin added: “It has become clear over recent years that schools which are potentially in difficulty most improve when they receive support, ideas and practical help from other heads, other teachers and other schools.”