A BICESTER school has moved a step closer to gaining specialist status thanks to a cash boost.

Bardwell School, a special needs school in Hendon Place, needs to raise £20,000 before it can apply for specialist status in communication and interaction.

Thanks to a £3,800 cheque from Bicester Rotary Club, the school is nearer to its target.

Most of the cash was raised from a St George’s Day dinner and a schools’ challenge.

Diners, who helped raise nearly £2,000, were entertained by nine-year-old pianist Michael Ng, listened to a selection of readings and tapped their feet to a host of English folk songs.

Over the past few months pupils at Bure Park, St Edburgs, Chesterton and Longfields primary schools and Bicester Community College, took part in a series of activities as part of the Rotary challenge raising £990.

Organiser Michael Waine said “This is a special cause, so we pulled out all the stops to arrange something very special.

“The club is delighted with the response from the local schools and most grateful to all those in the Bicester community who made this such a successful and enjoyable venture.”

Rotary matched the amount raised by the students, topping up the cash by £1,000.

So far the appeal has raised about £11,000.

Anyone who wants to donate to the school’s appeal should call headteacher Chris Hughes on 01869 242182.

l Tickets are now on sale for a ball to raise money for Bicester Rotary Club.

The event takes place on Saturday, June 13, from 7pm to 11.30pm at Wyevale Garden Centre’s Four Seasons Restaurant, in Bicester Avenue.

Dinner will consist of five courses, including a champagne and canapé reception, and music from live band Fortuned.

The events manager at Wyevale, Jeanette Cocklin, said: “We have never done anything like this before at the garden centre, but see it as a great opportunity to develop relationships with our chosen charity and the local community.”

Tickets cost £30 and include a £5 donation to the charity.

To book call 01869 242248, or drop in at the garden centre.