A Bradford secondary school is hoping to become one of the first in the country to specialise in business and enterprise.

Dave Morgan, deputy head teacher at Buttershaw High School, hopes that last year's win for the school in the regional Young Enterprise competition will show business leaders how enthusiastic his pupils are as it tries to raise £50,000 sponsorship.

Mr Morgan said: "Our school has a strong tradition with Young Enterprise and we have put together a plan to bid for us to become a specialist school with business and enterprise status."

The Government wants to increase the number of schools which specialise in certain fields, such as sport, the arts and technology and aims to have created 1,500 by September 2006.

If successful with its ambitions, Buttershaw would still be run as a normal school, but pupils from year seven up would have at least one lesson a week in business and enterprise.

Mr Morgan added: "If we can get this specialist status it would allow us to give the children a chance to develop in areas such as problem solving and teamwork, as well as other business-oriented skills."

To access the extra £750,000 which comes with the specialist status, Buttershaw must first raise £50,000 by October, which Mr Morgan hopes he can raise through businesses in Bradford.

He also wants businesses to join in partnership with the school so business leaders can help staff fulfil the children's business potential.

If the school is successful in its bid it will be notified by January.

Any businesses seeking further information on how to help Buttershaw's bid should contact Mr Morgan at enter prise@buttershaw.yorks.com