AS the Government is expanding its training school initiative, heads might consider applying to gain this status in September 2003. Applications need to be in by September 30 this year and contracts will be extended from two or three years to four. Schools have to demonstrate a strong track record in teacher-training practice including providing places for PGCE students, mentoring, professional development, fast-track placements or advanced skills teachers’ programmes. So far there are 82 training schools. Primaries receive around pound;45,000 a year and secondaries pound;55,000 via the local education authority standards fund.

www.standards.dfes.gov.uktrainingschools