VOCATIONAL courses at school.

Until recent years they had been sneered at in many quarters, regarded as an option only for the less academically inclined.

But a pioneering scheme at Westhoughton High School, which education chiefs hope will be available to all Bolton area schools from September, provides a compelling demonstration of how much things have changed.

There two groups of high-flying pupils interested in careers in information technology are studying for industry-recognised computing qualifications which will give them a head start in the jobs market.

A dozen Year 10 pupils, aged 14 and 15, are grappling with an IT Essentials course which paves the way for a full CCNA (Cisco Certificate Network Administrator) award, which is what 10 sixth formers are aiming for.

If a company was to send one of its staff on an equivalent course it would cost between £2,000 and £3,000.

But the school, which is preparing a bid to become a specialist technology college, is able to provide it free thanks to the support of the local education authority.

The courses are very much in line with government thinking about raising the status of vocational training.

David Miliband, the standards minister for schools, said: "It's the government's reponsibility to ensure that vocational courses are not the default option for those who struggle in the basics."

These courses, currently after-school options although the LEA's hope is to eventually incorporate them into the curriculum, would undoubtedly win his approval.

The government is working towards introducing a so-called "British baccalaureate" syllabus for 14-19 year olds, more flexible and broader-based than A Levels.

Crucially, building computer networks is an area where employers in Britain and abroad are crying out for qualified whizzkids.

Head teacher Brendan Loughran said: "It's about increasing their employability and it's also filling a skills gap.

"It's quite innovative. I believe we are the first school in Bolton to do this and it's something we as a school will be looking to do more of in the future."

The CCNA course is also being offered to anyone in the Westhoughton area and places have been in such demand that a couple of the adult learners will be studying side-by-side with the sixth form group.

That is also being offered free as part of a community education drive which already means Westhoughton High School's doors are open till 9pm Monday to Thursday.

And so many adults have been eager to sign up that there is even a waiting list.

Mr Loughran said: "This has generated a lot of interest in the community. People questioned whether there would be the demand in Westhoughton but we're actually oversubscribed." The computer courses, designed by industry giants Cisco and Hewlett Packard, are a mixture of hands-on training - getting to grips with physically putting computers together in an electronic laboratory -- and theory.

In keeping with the cutting edge nature of the study, the exams at the end are carried out via the Internet.

Westhoughton High School is currently trying to raise £50,000 as part of its efforts for specialist technology college status.

The school is planning to submit a bid in time for the next funding round in October.