Pilot schools set to specialise in health careers

They can already specialise in science and business, enterprise, computing and technology and sports - now schoolchildren can opt to focus their education on health.

Two secondary schools, in Sandwell and Walsall, will become the first health specialist schools in the UK under a pilot scheme involving Birmingham and the Black Country strategic health authority. The move has been welcomed by former chief inspector of schools Mike Tomlinson, now chair of the working party on 14-19 reform, who presented his blueprint for secondary education this week.

The initiative, which it is hoped will be rolled out nationally later this year, will see Holly Lodge School in Sandwell and Alumwell (Business and Enterprise College) in Walsall, promote health and health service careers for 14 to 19year-olds. Sue Harris, lifelong learning strategic manager for Birmingham and the Black Country SHA, said: 'This pilot presents us with an opportunity to bring health careers to life for young people.'

The scheme will also explore the potential of clinic provision in schools as well as the possibility of health professionals working in schools to promote healthy living.