Hundreds of comprehensive schools will be turned into specialist colleges over the next three years, Prime Minister Tony Blair has announced.

The government aimed to turn one in four secondary schools into a specialist school by 2003 - a total of about 800, almost double current levels - he said.

Downing Street said the drive would begin this week when Education and Employment Secretary David Blunkett announces 36 new schools to develop expertise in languages and technology.

At present there are 446 specialist schools, or technology colleges, more than double the 222 when Labour took power in May 1997.

Once they achieve specialist status by raising £50,000 business sponsorship and involving the community, they receive a £100,000 capital grant and £120 per pupil per year for four years.

Raising standards

The Prime Minister said on the BBC1 Breakfast With Frost programme that the government was turning its attention to secondary schools, having sorted out primary schools.

"Look at the Ofsted report on primary schools - they show the highest-ever levels now of literacy and numeracy," he said.

"We're cutting class sizes for five, six and seven-year-olds and now we are able to move on to the comprehensive system.

"So next week we are going to be announcing a whole new wave of specialist schools, which specialise in particular subjects."

He added: "By the end of the year 2003, I want one in four of comprehensive schools to be specialist schools."