Hemel Hempstead School is one of 200 named outstanding schools in Britain to be given a bonus of £60,000 a year to spend on a second specialism
.
The Heath Lane comprehensive, already a specialist in performing arts, has opted to also become a specialist in maths and science.
And because it has been named an outstanding school by the Department of Education, it will get a further one-of
f £60,000 next year to spend on gifted and talented pupils.
Head Sandra Samwell, said: "We have been awarded this on the basis of our 83% success in GCSE exams last year. Actually, we did even better this year with 94% of our pupils getting five or more passes at A* - C grade.
"We are absolutely delighted to have been named an outstanding school because my ambition since coming here four years ago has been to see Hemel Hempstead School become one of the leading ones nationally.
I have it firmly in my sights to reach 100% pass rate and see this school among the very best in the country."
Miss Samwell said the bonus will go on projects specifically connected with science and maths linked with ICT as well as additional tuition for gifted pupils and holiday schools for especially talented students.
But she insisted: "We are not about basking in elitist glory. We are an inclusive school and our agenda is achievement for all. I think our results show that we are pretty close to that ideal."
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