TWO schools are celebrating after obtaining specialist status.

Meopham School, Wrotham Road, Meopham, will become a specialist college in sport and Swanley School, St Mary's Road, Swanley, has secured its status in technology.

The Department for Education and Skills' announcement means the schools will have more than £1m to spend over the next four years to benefit pupils as well as the community.

Meopham School aims to become a "sporting hub" for Gravesham. With plans including the construction of a new sports science laboratory and the refurbishment of its changing facilities, headteacher Sara Kemsley said: "This is such an exciting community adventure which we're so proud to lead."

Revamping the science laboratories and technology block, investing in new computer design equipment and appointing a new director of technology are among Swanley School's plans.

It aims to improve the computer, maths and science skills of its pupils as well of those of youngsters from six nearby primary schools and adults in the area.

Headteacher Julie Bramley said: "It's an exciting time to be at Swanley School and this investment will transform the curriculum and allow us to work more closely with the community."

For almost two years the schools have appealed to businesses for sponsorship and held events to raise the necessary £50,000 to make their specialist status bids.

Among eight schools in Kent to clinch specialist status, they also worked closely with Kent County Council to compile their bid and ensure they met demanding criteria.

When they become official specialist colleges in September they will join 10 north Kent schools already with the acclaimed status, including Wilmington Grammar School for Boys, Common Lane, for engineering, and Hextable School, Egerton Avenue, for arts.

This will bring the number of specialist schools in Kent to 63.