HOPES were raised today that Worcester could be a step closer to having its first "specialist" school.

Department of Education officials are due to visit Elgar High School tomorrow to see if it should be granted Technology status, which would mean a cash boost of more than £600,000.

The school has had three previous applications turned down -- but this is the first time it has got as far as inspectors making a personal visit.

"We're keeping our fingers crossed and will be very disappointed if we don't get it as this is our fourth bid," said headteacher Dr Graham Watts.

"This is the first time we've been visited by an inspector but we're not likely to know the outcome until June.

"If we become a specialist school it will mean a £100,000 capital investment for refurbishment and computers plus £500,000 over the next four years, which works out at about £90 extra for each of our students.

"We decided to focus on technology as our young people will go on to work in Worcester city which is a centre for many high-tech businesses."

MP Mike Foster has lobbied Schools Minister Estelle Morris on behalf of the Bilford Road school.

In a letter, the Minister noted Mr Foster's support and promised to give the application "careful consideration".

"The school has improved the quality of the bid, and guidance was received from the DfEE about why past bids were not successful," said Mr Foster.

"Elgar High has shown the ambition to achieve specialist status, and local businesses have supported their aim."

He added a successful bid would be a huge boost to the school -- which is currently bottom of the GCSE league table in Worcester.