STAFF at Royds Hall School, Paddock, are pushing ahead with their bid to become a science college.
And two of their students met one of the men who has helped with the scheme.
Lord Hanson, the Huddersfield-born industrialist, helped raise the £50,000 needed by the school to submit its bid.
He praised the efforts made by the school.
He said: "In Royds Hall we have one of the best schools in the country.
"It is expanding to include a full science college, sponsored by local individuals and firms," Lord Hanson added.
Lord Hanson also met head teacher Wendy Bradford, deputy head Jeremy Haigh and chairman of governors John Bostock.
