A HIGH school could become a flagship centre of educational excellence next year if its bid for specialist status is approved.

Bedale High School headteacher Graham Turner is applying to the Government for the school to become a specialist school in humanities.

But before the bid can be made in March 2006, the school must raise £50,000.

This would then be matched with £100,000 from the Government for investment in a capital project and further funding could bring in £350,000 over four years.

Mr Turner, who took over as headteacher nearly 18 months ago, helped his previous school in Skipton to become a specialist engineering and technology college.

Mr Turner said the proposals for Bedale had been the subject of consultations with governors and parents over the past year.

He said: "Choosing a specialist area was quite a dilemma because we have got some very strong departments.

"We were keen to go for a specialism which would impact across the whole curriculum. Humanities will be led by English, geography and history, in which we are particularly strong, and there will be two other core subject areas.

"It sounds like a tall order, but a successful application will bring in extra financial resources and allow us to enrich the curriculum in specific areas while also improving resources in ICT.

"We will also be able to further initiatives with our feeder primary schools and other partners.

"One of my objectives, from the beginning, was to improve resources and the school fabric and this will help us to achieve those goals."

The application for specialist status is the latest in a series of developments at the school.

Sport is being given a major overhaul with a £765,000 all-weather pitch under construction and sports hall changing rooms being refurbished.

Work is due to start in April to redevelop the main entrance, creating new toilets, a medical room and offices.

The first meeting to launch the campaign will take place on Tuesday.