ST JOAN OF ARC Catholic School in High Street, Rickmansworth, has been recognised by a government agency as a leader in the use of information and communication technology (ICT).

The new ICT Mark was awarded by the British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (Becta) in acknowledgement of its use of ICT to support pupils and school activities.

It is one of the first schools in the UK to receive the award.

Anthony Sumner, headteacher of St Joan of Arc, said: "We are delighted to receive the ICT Mark.

"It recognises our approach to ICT and the positive impact that it is having on our school as a whole."

St Joan of Arc was one of only 20 asked to use Becta's self-review programme, which helps schools to ensure they are using ICT effectively, involving an assessment on their approach to ICT from leadership and vision to learning and teaching in the classroom.