Two schools could be in line for a £1 million cash injection if they succeed in getting special status.

Warden Park School in Cuckfield, near Haywards Heath, has put in a bid to become a specialist school for mathematics, information and computer technology and modern foreign languages.

If successful it will be the first school in the UK to be given the combined status.

The school is also working with Oathall Community College in Haywards Heath, which is applying to become the second specialist in the country in science and visual arts.

Both schools have to raise £50,000 and then they will each be given £500,000 for the next four years.

Steve Johnson, headteacher at Warden Park, said: "We are putting together a development plan now."

The school has already had interest from businesses.

BAA Gatwick has given £5,000 and local estate agency, Fox and Son, has given £2,000.

Oathall is not as advanced when it comes to funding but the school is preparing to talk to businesses in Sussex after the official launch of both bids on Monday.

Oathall head Jill Wilson said: "Oathall is fortunate enough to be strong in all areas and we feel we could have gone for specialisms in quite a number of options.

"Science and arts are traditionally considered to be separate subjects when, in fact, there are considerable links.

"As part of a special college we would like to bring down some of these barriers working across the curriculum including creating more diversity, encouraging more girls and looking to increase science take-up post-16.

"The arts is very important for creativity. We are still at the initial stages."