SIR Roger Manwood's School at Sandwich is making a bid for language college status. In October it will be applying to the Government to become a specialist school, which it believes will not only benefit students but the wider community as well.

Funding for the scheme will come from central government but the school needs to raise the first £50,000 and is looking for business sponsorship. Head teacher Christopher Morgan said this initiative was the best way forward for the school. "It will enable us to build on our strengths in French and German and extend the range of languages taught by providing new resources, including state-of-the-art information and computer technology," he said.

Mr Morgan said they wanted to form links with local companies and offer them tailor-made tuition and other language services.

"We hope these companies would be able to enhance the careers and work experience programme which we offer to our pupils as well as offering some initial financial support," Mr Morgan said. Anyone interested in offering business sponsorship should contact the school, when term starts in September, on 01304 613286.