But the Maharlshi School of the Age of Enlightenment is among an academic elite, with a better record than schools such as Eton and Westminster.

The Skelmersdale school topped the Lancashire GCSE league for the number of A-C passes again this year when results were published in November.

But its record as one of the highest achieving establishments in the country is only a by-product of what sets the school apart.

The Maharishi school differs from other schools in that all the children meditate at the beginning and end of the school day and take their pulse at regular intervals to monitor their nervous systems.

It is still the only school of its kind in the country although one tough inner city comprehensive in the UK has introduced meditation with positive results after visiting the Maharlshi school.

Headteacher Derek Cassells said: Transcendental Meditation stills the body and mind, and puts the nervous system in balance, meaning all areas of life are improved not just school work.

I am sure it contributes to the results because the children come to the school with a very wide range of school abilities but they all start to see this growth in intelligence.

The school was set up in 1986 by parents from the Skelmersdale community disenchanted with conventional schools.

Although there are examples of, as Mr Cassells puts it, harsh words, there is no bullying or discipline problems in the traditional sense of the word. ---------------

[Article appeared with photo of teacher Cliff Yates and pupils under the Maharishi School signboard.]

[Picture caption:]
SUCCESS: the Maharishi School has achieved amazing exam results

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