TWO Harrow schools have been designated High Performing Specialist Schools by the Department for Education and Science.

Canons High, the technology college in Canons Park, and Hatch End, an arts college, have achieved the highest accolade the DFES now grants schools.

It repleaces the "leading edge" and "beacon" schools The award is based upon the performance of schools over four years, with a focus on improvements in GCSE results and pupils' progress.

Both schools have been invited to take on a new role, helping top raise standards in other schools.

The details of how this will work has yet to be decided, but may involve taking on a second specialist subject, becoming training schools, or taking up a vocational speciality.

Harrow Council said that the national recognition of the very high standards achieved by both schools was a tribute to the quality of education in the borough generally.

Council leader Councillor Chris Mote said: "The level of excellence achieved by these two schools is something we aim to establish across not only all Harrow schools, but across all our services."

The council's director of children's services, Paul Clark, said "The council is absolutely delighted that Canons and Hatch End are now recognized as being among the leading schools in the country.

"Parents know how much these two schools have improved over recent years and I am delighted for all the staff in these schools who have worked so hard to make this happen."

Bruce Goddard, head of Canons High, said "This is a fantastic award which virtually gives parents a guarantee that if they send their children to Canons they will get the best education on offer.

"To be recognized as, not only one of the best schools in Harrow, but one of the best in the country, is what all our fantastic staff and students deserve.

"Just as being a technology college has helped improve our school, any new role will bring in extra money which will be used to make further improvements.

"Canons is now in the Premier League!"

Allan Jones, head of Hatch End High, said "We are delighted to see the DFES recognizing the achievements of pupils and staff at Hatch End.

"The future for all our pupils can only get better as we access the additional opportunities which this award presents.

"As a specialist arts college, we have maximized improvement, not only in the arts, but in a range of other subjects such as science, English and the humanities.

"We are seeking to develop local partners in educational advance in all areas."