A UNIQUE scheme has been launched around a Worcester high school to boost standards in numeracy and literacy.

The Worcester Education Achievement Zone is believed to be the first of its kind in the country.

The pioneering scheme was devised by Worcestershire's Local Education Authority after the Government turned down its bid to form an Education Action Zone.

Worcestershire County Council has injected £200,000 into the scheme, which will centre around Elgar High School and its 14 feeder schools.

The project is being co-ordinated by Mike Carter, a retired LEA inspector, who is now working with the schools to boost standards in numeracy and literacy, as well as overall attitudes to learning.

Worcestershire LEA's head of quality Clive Wilkinson said the schools themselves had shared out the money and set their own targets.

"Because it's our own we have been able to do what we wanted without Department of Education constrictions," he said.

"The Department of Education and Employment is very interested in it and we are hoping that it is going to be a great success. Certainly the schools are very enthusiastic about it.

"The money, once spread out isn't huge, but a few thousand pounds has made a difference to pupils."

Mr Wilkinson added that if successful, the LEA would be looking to form partnerships with private businesses and other organisations to develop the scheme further.

Worcester MP Mike Foster called the scheme "innovative".

"I have always been impressed by this LEA, both the management and the councillors" he said.

"They are forward thinking and they had a good Ofsted. Privately, I know they are viewed as one of the best in the country and that's something we should be very grateful for.

"I will be watching with interest to see the improvements, not just next year but in years to come."

Elgar High's feeder schools are: Claines CE Primary, Cranham Primary, Elbury Mount Primary, Gorse Hill Primary, Lyppard Grange Primary, Northwick Manor Infants and Juniors schools, Perdiswell Primary, St Barnabas CE Primary, St Georges CE Primary, St George's RC Primary, St Joseph's RC Primary and Warndon Infants and Juniors schools.

Worcestershire LEA is now planning to introduce a similar scheme around the Harry Cheshire High School in Kidderminster.