Rhodesway school was last night promised half a million pounds to help in the fight against global warming.

Solar panels and wind turbines could be installed at the school to slash its emissions of carbon dioxide by about 60 per cent, the Government announced.

Other measures to improve energy efficiency could include insulated windows, low-emission light bulbs, heating from burning recycled wood pellets and toilets which use rainwater to flush.

The school could also recycle its own paper, introduce roof-top plants to improve drainage and give children gardens in which to grow vegetables.

Rhodesway is among 200 schools across England that will share the £110m from the scheme.

Executive head Nigel Jepson said: "I have to admit it came as a total surprise to discover Rhodesway is the only school in Bradford on this list of 200 schools to receive this money.

"At first, I thought it must be because Rhodesway is on the list of the 200 fastest improving schools nationally. Then it occurred to me it might be a generous gesture towards helping us clear our inherited debt of around £500,000.

"However, I am now informed it is because Rhodesway is on the list of 200 planned academies. The money would come in handy either for incorporating environmentally-friendly features into our existing buildings or alternatively any new ones."

Heads will also be encouraged to give pupils a Carbon Detectives Kit', to investigate their school's carbon footprint and take action to reduce it.

Yesterday's announcement is the first step in the Government's ambitious programme to ensure all schools are carbon neutral by 2016. Under the Building Schools for the Future programme, the Government is rebuilding, or refurbishing, every secondary school in England.