"The Specialist Schools Programme is central to the Government's goal to increase diversity and improve standards in secondary education. The Programme helps schools, in partnership with private sector sponsors and supported by additional Government funding, to build on their particular strengths, establish distinctive identities through their chosen specialisms, and achieve their targets to raise standards. Specialist schools have a special focus on their chosen subject area but must meet the full National Curriculum requirements and deliver a broad and balanced education to all pupils." DFES