RUSH Croft School has submitted a bid to the Department of Education and Skills to become a specialist sports college.

Patricia Cutler, head of the secondary in Rushcroft Road, Chingford, said: "We are anticipating a decision from the Secretary of State Charles Clarke by the end of this academic year.

"If successful, the school will receive a one-off capital sum of £150,000 to spend on improving facilities as well as an annual sum of £111,000 to provide additional facilities for our students, pupils at local primary schools and the wider community."

If successful, the school's plans will include: The creation of a climbing wall at the end of the existing sports hall Installing sprung floors in the existing drama studio to allow dance to be taught Installing state-of-the-art floodlights on one of the hard surfaced sports areas which will allow it to be used in the evening without disruption to residents Developing of additional information and communication technology facilities for the teaching of sport and physical education.

In the meantime, school staff are to receive cash bonuses in recognition of improving exam results at the school.

The award of around £27,000 from the DES will take the form of payments to staff to reward them for helping to raise achievement in recent years.

Ms Cutler said: "I am delighted that our improvement has been recognised. We know that, for students to achieve high levels of success, the school needs professional staff of the highest possible calibre that develop a good partnership with parents and good working relationships with students.

"That has been the secret of our success and it is a recipe we intend to maintain and develop."

During the ten-year period from 1992 to 2002, Rush Croft's examination results have improved from 24 per cent five or more Grade A* to C at GCSE to 36 per cent which, says Patricia Cutler, is "a tremendous reflection on the commitment of the staff and the hard work of the students who wish to achieve exam