The expansion of Specialist Subject Schools (SSS) will cost taxpayers 113 million British pounds in start-up costs in the next three years, taking the annual cost of the programme to 373 million British pounds (Times Educational Supplement [TES], 2003 ). This paper adopts a case study approach, examining the processes, outcomes and implications of the bidding period and the first year of being a Specialist Subject School, from the perspective of the head of the major department involved. Whilst immediate outcomes are undoubtedly positive for all involved, serious issues are revealed concerning sustainability.