MARLWOOD School has been awarded a safety mark for good practice in new technology.

The Alveston comprehensive is the first state-run secondary school in South Gloucestershire to receive the e-safety mark.

It came as the result of a visit by an assessor from the South West Grid for Learning, who met staff, parents, governors and students and found the school provided a high level of protection for users of computers and hand held devices.

The South West Grid for Learning Trust provides internet connection and a range of other services to schools across the South West and is at the forefront of national developments in e-safety.

It has developed a system to help schools address e-safety issues, which allows schools to evaluate their policies and practices before suggesting how more can be done to protect young people and staff.

Schools are expected to demonstrate a high standard of e-safety education and awareness for all staff and pupils, as well as parents and carers, to ensure they are safe when online in school, at home and when using mobile phones and other handheld devices.

Marlwood's report said its e-safety group of 12 pupils was an example of best practice.

The students have already held a special assembly, are running a stamp design competition and plan to present their ideas to the governing body and further afield as part of efforts to help others understand the impact of carelessness online and how to address it.

Ron Richards, lead assessor for the e-safety mark, said it was re-assuring to know that Marlwood had put much thought and effort into improving the online safety of staff and young people.