Lisa Green, who is co-ordinating the scheme at the Grange School, said the new status- which incorporates maths, ICT and business subjects- will also help local firms.

The school is hoping businesses will support the school and act as mentors to pupils- Lohmann Adhesive Tape Systems has already indicated students are welcome to have a look round their base in Bierton.

"On the flip side next year our business and enterprise centre will be built, converted from English classrooms," said Miss Green.

"In it there will be space for an office which we will let local small businesses just starting out use for free, with the ability to link into reprographics, IT etc."

Building work on the centre begins next year, and should be ready by September 2009.

The Grange is also planning to hold workshops for the local business community, where they recruit experts to share their knowledge on a particular subject.

The school, which had to raise £100,000 to make its bid, is just the third in Bucks to specialise in business and enterprise, and to celebrate they are holding an official launch day on November 13 to which the local community is invited.

On the day there will be a 'Dragons Den' style event where pupils pitch ideas to improve the school or local area to a panel of potential investors.

To attend the launch please call Miss Green on 01296 390928 or e-mail enterprise@grange.bucks.sch.uk

Business Herald, free with this week's Bucks Herald.