A SPECIAL funding deal between Sandbach School and education bosses has secured the future of the 300-year-old school until 2040.

The all-boys school faced a serious shortfall following changes in the way the Government hands out funding for education.

Fearful for the school's future, parents bombarded Prime Minister Tony Blair with written appeals for him to help.

Now an agreement has been signed that allows the school to retain its unique status as the only independent school in the country whose pupils are maintained by public funds.

The school's campaign to receive direct funding was backed by MP Ann Winterton, by more than 400 parents, as well as former pupils and members of the community.

Headteacher Peter Wiles said: "This was probably the most important decision in the school's history. It is a big relief and we can now concentrate on maintaining our important role in the community."

The cash problems emerged when the Government decided to fund schools directly rather than through Local Education Authorities.

As an independent school Sandbach failed to qualify and as it does not charge fees for pupils who attend, it was left hugely out of pocket.

Chairman of governors Peter Doughty said: "We see this as an enormous vote of confidence.

"The existence of the school was never in question but the future structure of the way in which we provide education has now been clarified."

The agreement runs until 2040.