WESTBOURNE High School in Ipswich was today awarded sports college status - bringing with it the promise of substantial new investment.The school had to raise £50,000 from sponsorship to promote its bid, and today's announcement means it will now get an extra £100,000 from the government to boost sport in the school.

WESTBOURNE High School in Ipswich was today awarded sports college status - bringing with it the promise of substantial new investment.

The school had to raise £50,000 from sponsorship to promote its bid, and today's announcement means it will now get an extra £100,000 from the government to boost sport in the school.

It will also get an extra £20,000 a year.

Headteacher Christopher Edwards was at Chelsea's Stamford Bridge stadium today for the official launch of the country's newest specialist schools.

He said: “The award of specialist status has confirmed just how far we have come as a school over the last 5 years.

“It is hard to imagine, that at the time of my appointment in 2000 this school was seen as failing. Our results now place us in the top 10 per cent of schools nationally for value added, and specialist status will enable us to go even further.”

“I would like to thank our numerous sponsors including Crest Nicholson and Kieron Dyer for their generous support, as well as the students, parents, staff and governors who have been so committed to this bid.”

Mr Edwards said: “The extra resources will enable us to provide extra opportunities for our young people and our community.

“We do not see this as just being about sport but about raising the aspirations of all, through healthier and more active lifestyles.

“However with the Olympic Games coming to Britain, these will be exciting times to be a sports college.

“Who knows, there might just be a Westbourne Sports College student lifting a gold medal in London in 2012.”

At the school today pupils and staff were delighted at the news about specialist status.

Deputy headteacher David Thomas said: “This is fantastic for everyone connected with the school. It is a real achievement and means so much to all of us.”