REVOLUTIONARY changes at the only high school in the county named in an 'outstanding performance' Ofsted list, are continuing its lead, writes ANITA HOWELLS.

Fairfield High School at Peterchurch, which has just 301 pupils, is making plans to introduce vocational GNVQ and NVQ subjects for pupils.

The move will bring pupils links with Herefordshire's employers through work experience and visits.

Headteacher Chris Barker, says pupils will still follow the National Curriculum and may additionally choose the vocational subjects.

Pointing out that small schools can offer a wide curriculum, he said GNVQ engineering, AS level maths and GCSEs in textiles and photography had already been introduced.

It is major progress like this that singled Fairfield out for a place in the prestigious Ofsted report - it had been threatened with closure in the 1980s.

"Ninety per cent of teaching was found to be good or very good - which is terribly high - and overall the findings were very good," said Mr Barker.

The pupils' attitudes to learning, staff and the school, particularly impressed inspectors, to whom pupils were able to express their opinions.

As it approaches its 50th birthday on May 1, state of the art technology is being installed and the building of its first sports hall is making steady progress.

When the school opened in 1951 there were only 48 pupils on roll, from Peterchurch, Craswall and Walterstone and just four teachers. Now teaching has gone high-tech with the installation of electronic white boards. The boards, which cost £8,000 and are like giant computer screens, will eventually replace all the schools blackboards, presenting endless teaching possibilities.

Pupils have been e-mailing their homework in for months.

A new music department, changing rooms, and science block are also on the agenda. Completion of the hall, which will be a barn-like structure, with exposed wooden girders and massive windows, will also bring a new kitchen.

Ofsted said Fairfield proved what could be achieved and should pass on its good practice to other schools.