THE first technology colleges in the borough are to be introduced after a successful bid to the Secretary of State for Education and Science.

Park High School in Thistlecroft Gardens, Stanmore and Canons High School in Shaldon Road, Edgware were informed of the decision on Tuesday this week after putting in a joint application for specialist technology college status last October.

The approval means that both schools will be able to employ more staff and buy additional resources.

They will also share their expertise with other schools and offer a community programme once the colleges open in September this year.

Welcoming the decision, Bruce Goddard, headteacher of Canons High, said: "Staff in both schools have worked hard to secure this bid. It is a very competitive process and many apply but few are successful.

"We have worked closely with Park High, with all our middle schools and with Stanmore College. By jointly becoming technology colleges, we will be able to share the expertise that exists in both schools for the benefit of all our pupils and the community."

Both schools will now receive additional money to enhance their level of expertise in maths, science, design and technology and ICT.

Tony Barnes, headteacher of Park High, added: "This is a major achievement for the schools. We already have a high level of expertise in the areas of maths, science, design technology and information technology and now we shall develop this further.

"But in both schools we shall continue to develop all parts of our curriculum. There is no question of developing technology at the expense of the arts, English, foreign languages and the humanities."

Harrow High has also been awarded specialist Sports College status from the Secretary of State, paving the way for a new fitness suite to be added to the existing sports facilities. Headteacher Christine Lenihan said she was 'delighted'.