Ilfracombe College is to become the first specialist media arts college in north Devon.

The Government approved the college's bid for specialist status today and it will become effective from September

It will pave the way for Ilfracombe College to become a beacon for media arts education throughout the area.

The award will mean an extra £135,000 a year for the college for the next four years as well as a single payment of £150,000 to be spent on building work.

Ilfracombe's new Principal, Colin Eves, said he was delighted with the announcement which came just two weeks after the college opened its new £1 million kitchen and dining hall.

'This is a particularly exciting time for us,' he said. 'It will result in the construction of a new, state of the art television studio and the enhancement of our IT provision.'

'It will mean a further boost to facilities for our students with the broadening of the curriculum to cater for their personal interests.

'We will also be able to share our specialist experience with our local primary schools in the area and enhance the range of opportunities and activities that we can offer for adults in the community."

The college had to raise £50,000 from outside sources before it could bid for specialist status and the fund-raising was so successful that over £54,000 was subscribed.

'95 per cent of that came from local businesses in donations of under £1,000 and we are all incredibly grateful for the support the college has received from the local community,' said Mr Eves.

'We chose to bid for media arts because there is a rich vein of artistic heritage in the area as well as the Landmark Theatre in the town. The college has links with many of the individuals and groups involved and a long established record of high quality media work.

We already have a small television studio on the campus and for some time we have run a very successful GCSE video production course where students consistently gain a high percentage of A* to C grades.

'The bid focussed on media studies, English and ICT but specialist status is all about raising achievement in all areas. We want to celebrate success and encourage creativity in all its guises in all subjects across the curriculum.'

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