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Teachers are virtually obsolete at a Haverhill school, where students are studying on-line for an internationally recognised computer qualification.

Following an investment of more than £100,000 in hardware, software and staff training, Samuel Ward Upper School and Technology College has become the first school in Suffolk to offer Cisco Network Academy courses to sixth formers.

The first group of eight youngsters are learning on-line with courses designed by the US computer giant, taking their exams on-line, and learning instantly whether they have passed or not.

Paul Bramwell, Head of IT at Samuel Ward, said it was hoped by next year to be able to offer the courses to adults and local businesses.

He said most of the world's internet and computer networks ran on Cisco equipment and Cisco recognised there was a world shortage of people trained to design, build and maintain computer networks.

"With seven people joining the world wide net every second and an estimated world shortage of 750,000 qualified computer professionals in 2002, this is an opportunity with massive implications and global potential for our students," he said.