TWO more Worcestershire schools are this morning celebrating being awarded specialist status.

Chantry High School and Tenbury High School were both included in the latest round of the scheme, which gives extra funding to improve teaching in specific subjects.

The former, in Martley, will become a specialist technology college, while the Tenbury school will focus on science and mathematics.

The Evening News yesterday revealed that Christopher Whitehead High School, in St John's, Worcester, had also earned language status this week.

The announcement means that almost three-quarters of Worcestershire high schools - 21 in total - are specialist colleges, just above the national average of 69 per cent.

"This is a fantastic opportunity for the school and it is a testament to the commitment of staff," said Chantry's headteacher Caroline Browne.

"It is fabulous, not just for the school, but for the community and it is going to be exciting for us to work more closely with partner schools."

Schools have to raise £50,000 to apply.

They are then awarded a further £100,000 grant and given £129 per pupil over four years to fund the project.

The colleges can then focus on their specialist areas but are still required to deliver the National Curriculum.

"It's absolutely brilliant for us," said Stuart Cooke, headteacher at Tenbury High School.

"It's a real boost and the whole process of putting the bid together and raising money has really helped us make links in the community."