An Amersham school has become one of the first schools in the UK to be awarded Science College status by the Department for Education and Skills.

The initiative, which is part of the government's drive to encourage specialist schools, will enable Dr Challoner's school in Chesham Road, Amersham, to build on its standards in science and maths.

A capital grant of £100,000 will go towards the modernisation of the school's science and maths facilities and the project has also attracted sponsorship from a company in the town.

In addition, the school will receive extra funding each year, part of which will be spent on joint projects with other schools.

Headteacher Dr Mark Fenton said: "I am thrilled that we have been given this opportunity to develop our expertise even further in two of our traditional areas of expertise.

"We are looking forward to developing Dr Challoner's as a centre of excellence for maths and science and we are excited about the opportunity to share our experience with our partners.

"We believe that this initiative will not only be of great benefit to our own pupils, but also help promote maths and science in other schools and the community at large.

"The granting of this award only a month after receiving the Artsmark from the Arts Council serves to underline the all-round strengths of the school."