A new way of improving the health and well-being of the county's pupils begins tomorrow.

Twelve pioneering schools will join the Healthy Oxfordshire Schools Awards scheme in the first year before the initiative is rolled out to the rest of the county.

The scheme promises to lead to better health by helping schools improve the curriculum and their environments. Schools will also be encouraged to address issues, such healthy lifestyles and bullying.

Dr Sian Griffiths, director of public health with Oxfordshire Health Authority, said: "This initiative will enable schools to become healthier places for staff and pupils." Graham Badman, Oxfordshire's chief education officer, said: "A healthy school understands the importance of investing in health, which will raise levels of pupils' achievement."

The secondary schools taking part are: Drayton (Banbury), Marlborough (Woodstock), Burford (Burford), Cheney (Oxford), Peers (Oxford). The middle school is: Isis Middle School (Oxford).

The primaries and first schools are: Grimsbury St Leonard (Banbury), Faringdon Infants (Faringdon), The Blake CE (Witney), St Ebbe's (Oxford), Neithrop Infants (Banbury) and Cutteslowe (Oxford).

Story date: Wednesday 03 November

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