A WORCESTER school was celebrating today after hearing it had been awarded "specialist" status by the Government.

Elgar High is the first school in the city to receive the prestigious accolade, which will bring a cash boost of around £500,000.

The news, announced by Education and Skills Secretary Estelle Morris, comes after four years of hard work and three previous unsuccessful bids. Elgar is one of 33 schools across the country to receive Technology College status this year.

"We've been working on this for four years," said headteacher Dr Graham Watts.

"It's a very exciting time for Elgar, not only to be awarded 'specialist college' status, but also because of the increase in the number of students coming here.

"Our aim, as ever, is to improve the quality of education for our students in order to ensure they move into further education or high quality work-based training.

"We've had the tick from the Government to go ahead. The status lasts for four years and we want to make sure we keep it."

The school will now receive £100,000 from the Government to add to the £50,000 of sponsorship already committed by local companies and organisations.

It will also receive £400,000 of additional funding based on pupil numbers over the next four years.

"In return, the school has to achieve targets in terms of GCSE results and other outcomes - in particular, targets related to such things as adult and community education," said Dr Watts.

One of the knock-on effects could be adult learners' and beginners' courses in information and communication technology.

Worcester MP Mike Foster, who has worked with the Bilford Road school, said he was thrilled.

"I was confident about this latest submission," he said.

Four Worcestershire schools have also received Beacon status, which recognises their high standards. They are Pershore High; Castlemorton CE Primary, near Malvern; Meadows First School, Bromsgrove; and Haybridge High at Hagley.