STUDENTS are being offered the chance to learn scuba diving as a school launches a new programme designed to broaden their interests and skills.

Cundall Manor School, near Thirsk - where Stephen Fry taught English during the 1970s - has launched an Enrichment programme to encourage pupils to try a wide range of physical and cultural activities.

Students at the independent school, aged between four and 16, will now be offered two 50 minute slots in the school timetable to learn skills of their own choice.

They include trail running, scuba diving, all types of dance from street and hip hop to Latin American, yoga, gymnastics, dressmaking, computer games, debating, interior design and fashion illustrating.

Headmaster Richard Notman said: “Whilst the National Curriculum is very important school should also be about preparing children for everyday life. The Enrichment programme has been introduced to help pupils develop broader interests and skills across a diverse and wide range of subjects."