A SCHOOL believes it has raised almost half of the £50,000 it needs to apply for technology college status.

As already reported in the Evening Advertiser, Highworth Warneford School must raise the money as a show of commitment if it is to receive the special status and £500,000 in extra Government money over four years. If successful, the school will assume its new status in September.

Head teacher John Saunders said: "The fundraising is not going too badly.

"We are getting some support from parents and we are getting some support from local charities as well.

"We haven't quite confirmed the total yet, but I don't think we are far from raising half of the money."

As some of the details have yet to be finalised, Mr Saunders declined to name the charities concerned for the time being.

If the school's bid bears fruit, it will join other specialist status schools in the area, such as Dorcan Technology College, Kingsdown School, which is also a technology college, and Ridgeway School, which is a science college.

Anybody who thinks they are able to help the school with a donation or a fundraising idea is invited to call 01793 762426.