LAKERS School is celebrating a massive £40,000 cash injection over the next two years after being selected as a School of Creativity.

Nationally only 26 schools have been picked for the Creative Partnerships scheme, from over 100 applicants and Lakers head Alison Elliot says they are thrilled.

In addition to the money, a dedicated education consultant will help the school develop and promote creative learning programmes

As part of the programme the school will build links with artists, performers, architects, multimedia developers and scientists.

Head teacher Alison Elliot said: "We look forward to Lakers learners continuing their work as creative ambassadors across England as well as making the most of this initiative across the Forest.

"Ensuring that creativity is developed in every subject across the curriculum and working with a range of creative practitioners beyond our school means that learners in the Forest of Dean will be well placed to boost the economic prosperity local and nationally on the basis of their knowledge, skills and understanding.

"The money will buy staff time to plan and deliver creative activities and will be used for taking students to visit creative venues, other schools and developing their skills and competencies. 

"It will make a massive difference to our capacity to work collaboratively.  "This stands to make a real difference to aspirations and the economic future of the Forest through unlocking motivation and capability."