A FUNDRAISING race against the clock has started at a York school to fund its bid to become a specialist science college.

Archbishop Holgate's CE School is the latest secondary school to go for specialist status, but has to raise £50,000 worth of pledges to back up its bid by the beginning of March.

If successful, the bid would bring in £500,000 to the Hull Road school over four years, which would be used to develop teaching and facilities in science, maths and information technology.

So far, £25,000 has been raised and the race has now begun to gather enough pledges of support to raise another £25,000. Former pupils, businesses and friends are all being approached for help by head teacher John Harris.

He said Archbishop's pupil numbers were growing every year and were due to rise from 690 to 760 in September. "Science has long been a real strength of the school. Our science team has strength in depth. We have very good science facilities. Our geographical position, within Science City York and next door to the university and science park, makes science specialism a natural choice. So does the large growth in scientific employment opportunities in the York area."

The school has contacted former pupils through the Archbishop Holgate's Association and the Archbishop Holgate's Society.

It has also already received financial pledges from foundation governors, parents and others.

Smith and Nephew is talking to the school about making a four-year commitment to working with its eight feeder primary schools, which are also set to benefit.

The science tradition at Archbishop's stretches back for years - as far back as 1900 it was described as an "organised science school".

- Anyone who can help should telephone Mr Harris on 01904 411341.

Updated: 11:29 Friday, February 08, 2002