A COUNTY Durham school could be among the first in the country to attain specialist science status if its bid proves successful.

Following the Government's launch of the specialist science college initiative, allowing schools to bid for extra funding for the subject, last autumn, Framwellgate School, in Durham, is among the first to take it up.

To be considered, it must first raise £50,000, then present a case for why it should be chosen. If it is successful, Framwellgate School will receive £580,000 in Government funding over four years, equivalent to an extra £123 per pupil with additional capital allowances.

Tracey Fallon, the school's finance manager, said the specialist science college concept follows the success of similar initiatives in other subjects.

"There are some new specialisms, which came into effect in October time, and science is one of them," she said.

"A couple of other schools in the North-East are going for specialist science status, and if we are successful, we will be among the first phase of science colleges."

Ms Fallon said the status would benefit the whole community.

"By improving the facilities here, we would be able to develop things like Information, Communication and Technology suites, which could be used by the local community," she said.

"We would be able to provide meeting rooms and conference facilities for local companies, and there would be opportunities for mentoring programmes.

"We would also be strengthening our links with feeder primary schools and working with other local secondary schools. The benefits to the community would be extensive."

In an effort to raise the £50,000, the school is putting together a database of possible sponsors, and plans to hold breakfast meetings to explain the initiative to local companies.

They will be offered tax relief for cash donations, and can also opt to donate equipment like computers and furniture, which will count towards the total.

Ms Fallon said: "The school hopes to identify both local and national companies to form valuable partnerships and work together to build stronger links between business and schools and provide a skilled workforce for the future."

Any organisation wishing to help can contact Ms Fallon on (0191) 383 5926