Selby High School is planning to apply for performing arts college status, it was revealed today.

The school held an "industry day" today, attended by local business and industry leaders, to promote their new status bid.

Deputy head teacher Ian Rothery said that if local firms agreed to sponsor the school to the tune of £50,000 to finance the initial bid, it would release up to half a million pounds of Government money to secure the schools' performing arts status.

This would include drama, art, music and dance, and help raise the school's profile.

Selby High is following in the footsteps of nearby Brayton High, now called Brayton College, after securing technical college status.

Barlby High is also in the process of applying for sports college status.

Mr Rothery said: "We feel our school has an excellent art, dance and music base to build on.

"Achieving this new status will mean more funding and more teachers, along with excellent facilities, including a drama studio, and top-class equipment."

Updated: 15:14 Wednesday, October 16, 2002