STOKE High School has today launched its bid for technology college status – and the Government cash bonanza that goes with it.Investment of £500,000 will be ploughed into the school over the next few years if Stoke is given the specialist school status from 2003.

STOKE High School has today launched its bid for technology college status – and the Government cash bonanza that goes with it.

Investment of £500,000 will be ploughed into the school over the next few years if Stoke is given the specialist school status from 2003.

The cash will go towards up-to-the-minute technological equipment, raising standards in technology, science and maths and a building programme to stop the school bursting at the seams.

Headteacher Martin Liddle believes the specialist school programme will help what is already a good school become even better.

He said: "It would expand the range and quality of the technological experience at the school right across maths, science and IT.

"It would expand the range of opportunities we can offer.

"We could have put a bit together to specialise in sport or art and drama, because they are other strong areas of the school.

"Technology links in with the Ip City project and will give children greater horizons for the future.

"Wherever they go beyond school they will be looking at IT and technology."

Mr Liddle believes the strong community links around Stoke High will be a significant factor when the Government judges the application.

He stressed the strong ties between Stoke and Chantry – who already share a 6th form – but also with primary schools in the area.

The school also welcomes the wider community with its mixed-use sports hall, public library and adult education.

Mr Liddle has already raised 75 per cent of the money he needs to finalise the bid. And he is confident technology status is well on the way to Stoke.

He said: "We have the support of the local councils and the LEA, from parents, pupils and staff that we can put a successful bid together."