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St Matthew's RC High School is at the hub of the cyber school network being set up with the girls and boys North Manchester High Schools and all primary schools in the area.

The network will also involve a link with Harpurhey Library, MANCAT and British Aerospace to bring opportunities for pupils to learn together over the internet.

It is being develop as part of the North Manchester Schools Forum initiative which aims to pool expertise and push up educational achievements.

Christine Thorpe, a teacher at Harpur Mount CP School, highlighted the benefits of developing the community of schools.

She said: "The children gain great pride, loyalty and respect when they are part of a team working together to build the local community. The children have taken part in events they will remember forever and will go ion to lead by example."

So far the forum has helped raise standards at GCSE and Standard Assessment Tests and helped parents become more involved with their children's education. Teachers have also been able to share their talents to help other develop new skills.

Special co-ordinators have been appointed in primary schools taking part in the Health Schools' Award Scheme to involve parents and carers to help tackle ill health in the area.

Plans are in the pipeline for primary schools to copy the 'gifted and talented' programme pioneered in the secondary schools where the most able are given a chance to excel in their field outside the classroom.

Harpurhey councillor Joanne Green, said: "The growing achievements of the Schools' Forum are having a positive impact on the experience and attainment of children in north Manchester schools."