ANDOVER'S three town secondary schools have officially launched their unique partnership bid for specialist schools status.

Headteachers and governing bodies from the three schools held an informal evening with councillors, business people and representatives from organisations in the town to outline their plans to raise the aspiration levels of young people and improve their attainment.

Harrow Way Community School is bidding for performing arts status, John Hanson Community School is bidding for science status and Winton School is bidding for technology status. Co-ordinator Jackie Pohnert said the joint bid means there's no competition between the schools, who need to raise £150,000 private sector sponsorship before the application is made in October.

Hampshire's county education officer Andrew Seber has given the project his full support.

Speaking at the launch, he said: "There are not many places where schools who serve a community have got together like Andover has. This hasn't happened because Government introduced the idea, it's happened because the schools here wanted to work together in the interests of the children. "This is not a change in comprehensive education. All schools are committed to providing this and the specialism is a way of developing the curriculum.

"The health and wealth of this community will depend on young people and what they are capable of doing. We want people to enjoy school and take that forward into a positive and vibrant community."

Deputy mayor Cllr Pat West added: "The schools are working hard and now need the support of local companies to help them on their way.

"It's giving the right message that Andover educationalists are of the best calibre and it's right and proper for the future generations of children coming forward that we totally support this bid."