ONE of the biggest corporations in the world has put its support and expertise behind a Broadstairs secondary school.

Global computer giants Microsoft has bestowed partner status upon The Charles Dickens School.

It means free access to all Microsoft software for educational and admin purposes, including the yet-to-be released Vista, an expanded and uprated version of the industry standard Microsoft Office programme suite.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) consultant support from Microsoft experts is available, as is the chance to use all new software from the company.

Head teacher Andrew Olsson said the impact of the partnership will be overwhelming. He said: "It will transform our already high grade ICT facilities to a system that really cannot be bettered anywhere.

"It means we are at the cutting edge of ICT development with the world’s biggest and most influential player, Microsoft, who will be our 'critical friend' in computing.

"We can offer tailor-made learning packages for our students, train our teachers and students on the latest software, enable students and their parents to access the programmes in their own homes, and offer a whole series of closely-monitored online educational facilities.

"We were invited to bid for the partnership status and Microsoft clearly liked what they saw and selected us as a partner school.

"It will enable us to take teaching and learning firmly into the 21st century with fabulous new technology that give us all the tools and professional support we need. We will share our expertise and resources with our partner schools - Upton, Bromstone and St Peter’s primary schools, and Dane Court and St George’s senior schools."

Another important benefit of the Microsoft partner status is that the latest programmes will benefit the school’s acclaimed unit for those with visual impairments.

Mr Olsson said: "We work closely with the Kent Association for the Blind, and we can now use the technical expertise available to us to help create specific programmes for them. We can also train people on the new ICT platform to support visually impaired people in the community."

The Microsoft partnership will last for four years.