A REPORT unveiled in February by Ofsted chief David Bell states that teaching is better in specialist schools and they have a greater "sense of purpose".
Queens' School, Bushey, St Joan of Arc School, Rickmansworth, and Watford Grammar School for Boys, Watford, were all awarded specialist status in 2003 and are among a number of successful specialist schools in the area.
Mr Bell's report also says that nearby schools without specialist status do not suffer as a result of their neighbour's success.
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