A YORK school has become one of the first in the country to officially be named a science college.

Archbishop Holgate's CE School was given the official title at a ceremony attended by the Lord Mayor of York, Coun David Horton.

Head teacher John Harris said: "We are excited by the news, delighted at this recognition of the school's strengths, and proud that Archbishop Holgate's has become one of the very first science colleges in the country."

The new status will mean half a million pounds worth of Government funding for the school, which will be used for extra resources such as interactive whiteboards, extra staff and an additional computer room.

Mr Harris said he was particularly grateful to the 150 sponsors who had backed the bid and made it all possible.

The chairman of governors, the Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, said: "This is a very exciting development for Archbishop Holgate's.

"We look forward to ensuring that this new status will consolidate our links with the community and the rising achievements of our pupils."

Updated: 09:24 Wednesday, October 02, 2002