A COUNTY Durham school could be among the first in the country to attain specialist science status.

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

To be considered, it must raise £50,000, then present its case for being chosen.

If successful, the school would receive £580,000 in Government funding over four years, equivalent to £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.

"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," she said.

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."

To help 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, which counts 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."

Organisations wishing to help can contact Ms Fallon on 0191-383 5926.