A SCHOOL has less than 48 hours to raise £8,800 to secure a government windfall. Chatham South School wants to bid for specialist status in mathematics and computing.

To submit its bid the school needs to show it has access to £50,000’s worth of private funding. So far it has raised £41,200.

Pledges are needed by 5pm Thursday and the application needs to be with the Specialist Schools Department by next Tuesday.

If the school fails to raise the necessary money it won’t be able to submit its application and could miss out on £100,000 of government funding.

If successful, Chatham South School will be the first non-grammar school in Medway to specialise in mathematics and computing.

Head teacher Vincent O’Mara said: "We are hoping someone will step in at the last minute and pledge the money."

If you would like to help call the school on 01634 404277 or visit the school in Letchworth Avenue, Chatham.