TEACHER training in the North-East has been boosted after two schools were given Training School status.

Education Secretary Charles Clarke selected Hummersknott School and Community Language College, Darlington, and Framwellgate School, Durham, among 76 across the country to be given the status under an expansion of the scheme.

They will receive up to £55,000 a year for four years to develop good teaching practices, such as increasing the quality of initial teacher training, extending mentor training and using new technology to enhance and improve teaching and learning.

Mr Clarke said: "These new training schools will be an important addition to the overall strategy of improving teaching skills and raising classroom standards."

He said both the schools and prospective teachers were benefiting from the programme.

"Over 12,000 more people are starting school and college-based teacher training courses this year than in 1999-2000, and applications for training next year are buoyant," said Mr Clarke.

"Training schools are helping to provide the high quality training environment that these new recruits to the profession need to develop their skills."