Ilkley Grammar School's bid for specialist status could be helped by the Government's five-year plan on education.

Head teacher Gillian James believes the present emphasis on expanding the specialist school system could work in the Grammar's favour.

In what she stresses is a personal view Mrs James says: "I welcome much of Charles Clarke's five-year plan, but hope there is real substance behind the jargon of partnerships, personalisation, choice and even 'educare.'

"I've never been an advocate of comprehensive education as a 'one size for all' model. I've always believed in working with children whatever their talents and aspirations and responding to local need.

"A school is in a community and needs to establish a distinctive vision.

"We see Specialist School Status as one way in which we can develop, and going for a Science and Humanities specialism plays both to our strengths and to opportunities to enhance learning and raise attainment even further. The government's commitment to expanding the programme should help us secure our bid at the second time of asking."

Mrs James said Ilkley Grammar School was in the unusual position of not having any near neighbours.

But she added: "Our competition comes from the independent or selective sectors in Leeds, Bradford and Skipton, and not from other comprehensives."

She said the school was seriously over-subscribed with over 350 applicants for 240 places.

"We may want to expand to meet local demand, and the government with the LEA may encourage this, but we already have a very constrained site, with playing fields three miles away, one small hall that also doubles as a dining room and limited play areas," she said.

"I am, however, very pleased to see reference to investment in school buildings for the 21st century."

Mrs James added: "We have an enviable reputation with excellent staff, students and results, and we want to remain high in the popularity stakes. I'm not convinced, however that choices can ever be realised for every parent. Whatever the government ideal.

"The reverse of popular expanding schools is, of course, the closure of unpopular ones, often those in challenging local circumstances, the very communities that need a good local school.

"I'm not sure 'survival of the fittest' is what we should be about nationally, even if I would like us to be able to offer more places for local children, including Menston, where extra housing will inevitably put pressure on ourselves, St Mary's and Guiseley."

Mrs James backs the call for the wearing of uniform, adding " we already have one and believe that students are in school to work: lessons are for learning. They are also important ambassadors for themselves and their school family and the uniform says something about pride and equality."

She added: "As for the curriculum, I'm pleased to see the government endorsing the Tomlinson Report and looking to replace the 'exam cram' of GCSE, AS and A2 with a new diploma that trusts teacher assessment.

"The timescale will mean none of our current students will benefit, and some of the detail is unclear. It will provide the opportunity to expand provision and meet local needs and broaden our 14-19 curriculum."