The school was granted Specialist School status in September 1998. 

The primary aim is to raise the standards of achievement in Mathematics Science and Technology for all our students across the ability range with the help of Information & Communications Technology (ICT). The school will also be an active partner in a learning society within its 'pyramid' of school and local community by sharing resources and developing and spreading good practice.

The initiative was initially funded by raising 115.000 in sponsorship from local/national companies and organisations together with a grant of 100.000 from the DfEE. Over the next three years there is some addition al funding on a per student basis.

Enhanced provision: 

Extending the curriculum through enhanced ICT facilities. We also now offer Statistics at GCSE and a full range of GCSE and A level subjects in Mathematics, Science and Technology. Vocational courses are available in many areas. 

A computer system giving all students Internet access and their own e-mail addresses. The computer network in school has been extensively updated and now serves over 150 computers running the latest software.

A new building opened in September 1999 houses a Design & Manufacturing Centre with computers and a workshop with CAD CAM facilities. On the first floor there is an Integrated Learning Centre with 20 work stations providing hands on student centered technology modules. Half the building is used as a Sixth Form Study Centre providing both quiet areas and access to PCs available only for sixth form use. 

The ability to offer industry standard IT courses to students, staff and the local community. 

Official opening by Lord Phillips of Sudbury on Friday 10th December 1999.