A school threatened with closure has been singled out for its "innovative" teaching by a government agency.

The Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) handpicked Bishops Park College in Clacton as one of 40 in the country to take part in a project about the future of the national curriculum.

It was chosen due to its alternative approach to learning, where teachers work around a particular theme for each half term - known as the "tartan curriculum".

Based at Bishops Park College is Creative Partnerships Tendring, an agency which focuses on developing creativity in learning.

Creative programmer, Susanna York, recently attended a QCA event in Manchester where she learned that the school's reputation for innovation is recognised nationally.

She said: "The Bishops Park model was met with a huge amount of interest from the other schools, many of whom are trying to introduce a thematic curriculum.

"It made me feel very proud to be associated with a school that generates so much interest from other schools both in England and in Europe."

A QCA document about Bishops Park says: "The innovative tartan curriculum not only makes learning fun, but is also bearing dividends in terms of standards."

Despite the recognition that the school has developed around the country, its future remains uncertain.

Essex County Council has announced that the school may shut due to failing numbers, and a consultation process is due to take place to decide what will happen to its pupils.