Ipswich school fundraising struggle

AN IPSWICH high school is today hopeful it will find the money it needs to get specialist status despite a shortfall of thousands.

Chantry High School admitted it is struggling to find the £22,000 it needs before it gains a specialism in humanities.

The school needs to raise £50,000 to go with its bid to government for the specialism.

Headteacher Anne Rickwood said the school has already raised £13,000 and had a further £15,000 pledged.

She said: "We need to get the money before October and I am hopeful we will. If we don't it will be extremely disappointing but we will carry on trying to raise the money and submit our bid for specialist status.

"The longer we leave it the longer our students do without."

Once the school's bit for specialist status is accepted the school will receive a lump sum of £150,000 followed by an estimated £164 a year in extra funding for the next four years.

Mrs Rickwood added: "Specialist status will mean a huge difference to Chantry High School. We are one of three schools in Ipswich without specialist status and our school is just as good and just as deserving as the others."

The school has already held a number of fundraising events including non-uniform days.

She said: "We are having a casino and race night in September and on July 12 we will be holding an open evening and fundraising night and inviting the business community to tour the school."

Appealing for help Mrs Rickwood said the school would refurbish 16 classrooms and improve teaching resources if it got the extra money that comes with specialist status.

She added: "It is a lot of money but we can do it."

To donate to the school please contact Mrs Rickwood or business manager Mrs Ward on 01473 687181.

For a full interview with Mrs Rickwood about the school's bid for specialist status see Education with James Marston in Friday's Star.