They are expected to work in partnership with other schools to pass on their particular areas of expertise and so help others to reach the same high standards as themselves

Department for Education

In order to gain beacon status, schools must be identified as amongst the best performing in the country and must show examples of successful practice.

They are then given additional funding, around �35,000 a year, to provide other schools and teachers with their learning experience.

"They are expected to work in partnership with other schools to pass on their particular areas of expertise and so help others to reach the same high standards as themselves," the department says.

Beacon schools offer advice on a wide range of areas, such as curriculum subjects, pupil monitoring, school management, provision for gifted and talented children, improving parent and community involvement, special educational needs and anti-bullying strategies.

Widespread benefits

Research by the National Foundation for Educational Research, which examined the effectiveness of the beacon school programme, suggests it benefits staff both in the beacon school and their partner schools.

The research showed both parties improved practice, raised standards, improved staff development and increased teacher and pupil morale.

It also found that the programme helped widen the horizons of staff, giving schools a new professional challenge.

Following the announcement of 425 new beacon schools by the Education Secretary, Estelle Morris, the breakdown of beacon schools is as follows:

• 618 primary schools
• 283 secondary schools
• 62 special schools
• 37 nursery schools