A WIDNES school has been selected by the National College for Teaching and Leadership to become a national teaching school.

Wade Deacon High School is one of only 200 ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rated schools to be granted this coveted status.

They work with partner schools and universities to ensure high quality school led teacher training and professional development opportunities for teachers at all stages of their career.

Executive principal Pamela Wright said: ‘This is a great achievement for our school, reflecting our on going commitment to training at all levels of our organisation, as well supporting other organisations in their desire to raise standards.

“It will also help us to attract the very best new and inspirational teachers in the future which is vital for us to achieve our long term goals and to ensure that our students receive the very best during their five years with us.”

Teaching schools take a leading role in recruiting and training new entrants to the profession, identifying leadership potential and supporting other schools.

They ensure that the most talented school leaders are spotted and supported to become successful head teachers.

Wade Deacon leads a network of other schools and colleges in developing school improvement and sharing good practice.

Charlie Taylor, chief executive of NCTL, said: “Wade Deacon should be very proud of their teaching school status. It recognises the school’s outstanding performance and its track record of raising standards through supporting other schools.”