A Merseyside school has become the 1,000th UK centre to register students for a popular vocational qualification launched just over two years ago.

The number of schools teaching OCR Nationals, which are work-related vocational qualifications launched in 2005, has risen rapidly and now Stanley High Sports College in Southport has helped them reach this landmark.

The school has registered its first group of students for the OCR National in ICT, with almost 400 pupils from 13 classes of Year 10 and 11 pupils working towards the qualification.

Stanley High head teacher David Tansey said: "OCR Nationals are a great way of engaging students and encouraging vocational learning, so these ICT students will benefit from being able to personalise their learning to cater for individual strengths and interests."

OCR Nationals do not include final exams and are designed to reward learners' achievements and ability to carry out tasks in a way that is relevant to the workplace.

Angela Allen, Sefton local authority ICT consultant, said: "The response from Sefton schools has been significant, with 20 secondary schools in the area now doing OCR Nationals in ICT."

"Stanley High has adopted the qualification with great enthusiasm and the students are reaping the benefits of these flexible and interesting qualifications."

OCR Nationals are available in 10 subject areas, also including, Business, Media, Sport and Art and Design, rising to equivalent qualifications for GCSEs or A Levels.

Peter Rothwell, North West business development manager for OCR, said: "To already have 1,000 schools and colleges teaching OCR Nationals is a tremendous achievement and shows how these vocational qualifications appeal to both teachers and pupils."