A SUCCESSFUL Roman Catholic high school has just three months to raise £10,000 — so it can land a £750,000 jackpot.

St Patrick’s in Eccles is bidding for technology status in fine arts.

Under government rules, the school must raise £50,000 to back its bid. So far, it has £40,000 and the deadline is the end of February.

If the bid was granted, the school would get about £250,000 a year special funding for three years.

Head teacher Mike Deagan said: ‘‘We believe our bid has been well received. It would benefit the community and both vocational and educational courses could be offered.

‘‘The money will be used to employ professional artists in residence and adapt existing rooms so a creche and refreshment area could be provided. We are keen to attract teenage mothers who have missed out on education.

‘‘This is a wonderful opportunity for the entire community if we could just raise another £10,000.’’

This year, St Patrick’s came sixth out of 17 high schools in city league tables, with half of pupils gaining five A-C grade GCSEs.

Tweet