A HIGH school's hopes of raising classroom standards through sports have been hit by the loss of two major sponsors.

Brookway High School, in Wythenshawe, Manchester, officially relaunched as a sports college today.

But unless college bosses find £20,000 in sponsorship by August they fear the Department of Education will revoke their status - and the additional £90,000 a year income that comes with it.

Brookway was awarded sports college status in September after submitting a bid, providing bosses could find £50,000 in sponsorship.

Wythenshawe MP Paul Goggins unveiled a plaque at today's launch and a dozen coaches were on hand to give youngsters a taste of sports that included golf, handball, table tennis, lacrosse and dance.

But following the withdrawal of two major sponsors from the venture the school has a massive shortfall.

Sponsorship

Unless alternative sponsorship is found the school's director of physical education Martin Wright fears the government could withdraw the award of sports college status.

''We are concerned about losing the status,'' said Mr Wright, who masterminded the school's bid.

''The shortfall is serious. The DFES could decide to withdraw our sports college status - although they haven't threatened to do that yet. We need to find sponsors by August 31.''

The school has refused to identify the sponsors that have withdrawn support, but say they completely understand the reasons.

One company, they say, has had to be sold and the second has had financial difficulties.

Mr Wright said: ''These companies have made heart-searching decisions, but when push came to shove they can't afford to do it.''

Since being awarded sports college status, the school has had new five-a-side pitches and five floodlit tennis courts. And if all goes to plan the next project will be a £1 million sports hall.

In addition to a wider range of sports sessions - including fencing - sport now pervades the entire curriculum at the school and it is hoped it will help to raise standards in the classroom as well as on the sports field.

Diet

Food technology lessons deal with the need for a healthy diet in sport and in English lessons, pupils are asked to write sports reports.

There is even a sculpture and mosaic in the entrance hall on the theme of movement and the human body.

Mr Wright said: ''We have always been a sporting school. This is about raising standards - not just sporting standards.

''It would be nice to produce British champions in sport, but being a sports college is about raising standards across the board, including attendance, behaviour and attitude. Developing positive attitudes through sport can develop self-discipline.''

Anyone who could sponsor Brookway High School should contact Martin Wright on 998 3992.

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