COMPREHENSIVE KIDS SNUB BLUE COAT PLACE.

Byline: BEN TURNER 

A CITY comprehensive has enjoyed such a transformation that its pupils have turned down elite sixth form places at Liverpool's only grammar school.

In January last year Parklands High School in Speke was at the foot of the GCSE league tables with only 1% of pupils achieving five good grades including maths and English.

But it has being improving ever since with this year 21% of students hitting the target while those achieving five good grades in any subject rose from 38% to a record 52%.

Its revival is expected to continue after becoming a National Challenge Trust School in September with its overall management overseen by Trust partnersincluding The Blue Coat grammar school in Wavertree.

Pupils and teachers now work in partnership with The Blue Coat in a host of projects at both sites.

This includes The Blue Coat actively encouraging Parklands pupils to take up a much sought after place at its sixth form.

Nine of this year's high flying Parklands GCSE students met the strict entry requirements - three of whom went for interviews and were formally offered a place.

However the trio, who had already lined up places elsewhere turned down the prestigious school's offer.

And Parklands' head Alan Smithies said the development highlighted the school's continued progression.

He said: "Previously students would have met the grade but this is all about raising aspirations and showing our pupils they can make it at The Blue Coat."

This year students are being sent to The Blue Coat to sit in on A-level lessons and other projects include guaranteed work placements at Royal Liver Assurance - another trustee.

CAPTION(S):

IN PARTNERSHIP: Above, The Blue Coat School and, right, Alan Smithies, headteacher at Parklands High School, Speke,