After a lot of work and a long wait, four more Oxfordshire schools have specialist status.

Millions of pounds will now be invested in facilities and learning programmes to raise achievement at these schools.

The Cooper School in Bicester, which succeeded on its third attempt, must be particularly pleased its hard work has finally paid off.

Now 28 of Oxfordshire's 34 secondary schools have achieved specialist status. Every school is expected to have it by 2008.

Given Oxfordshire's mediocre GCSE results, this investment is extremely welcome.

But while these schools await large cheques, Reading Quest, a charity which helps vulnerable children learn to read, is facing a funding crisis.

It is essential these children are given this extra help at the start of their education. It may cost society a lot more at a later stage if they are not.