NINE schools have been granted specialist status by the Government.
They join a growing number of schools that have a chosen specialism, resulting in grants for capital projects from the Department for Education and Skills.
Schools Minister Jacqui Smith said: "I am delighted that a further nine schools have been successful in achieving specialist status in the North-East.
"Specialism continues to be a catalyst for school improvement, not just in the specialist subject, but in all areas.
"Specialist schools have already shown how their networks and commitment to collaboration can lead to better standards all round."
To win such status, schools must raise £50,000 in private sector sponsorship, create a four-year school and community plan to raise standards and encourage take-up in their specialist subjects.
The nine schools are: Durham Johnston (language); Hookergate School, Rowlands Gill (humanities and music); High Tunstall, Hartlepool (science); Freebrough Community College, Skelton, east Cleveland (engineering); Huntcliff School, Saltburn, east Cleveland (humanities); Sacred Heart RC, Redcar (science); Rye Hills School, Redcar (sport); St Wilfrid's RC, South Shields (maths and computing); and Castle View School, Sunderland (business and enterprise).
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