Willoughby School in Bourne has championed the public's generosity after the community rallied round to propel the institution to its target within just seven months of the Mercury helping launch the appeal.
Now the school is on its way to obtaining specialist status.
Everything is in place for Willoughby to submit a bid to Government for the status, which would see the school handed a £100,000 grant and receive extra funding for every pupil.
Head Adam Booker said he was "overwhelmed" and "staggered" by people's goodwill.
"We are indebted to all the people, charities, parents, friends, strangers and companies who have contributed to our cause," he
said.
Within a week of the Mercury-led Dig Deep for Willoughby appeal being launched one woman walked into the school and handed over £100, while an anonymous parent gave £500.
From there the appeal grew and within three weeks the school had already raised £2,700, with the Mercury continuing to champion Willoughby's community cause.
With the goal now reached it means the school is set to provide more resources for children with learning and physical disabilities in the school and the community.
Willoughby would also look to revamp its site in South Road and go into other schools to train staff.
The school, which has 70 pupils aged from two to 19, will send off its application to the Government in September and hopes to find out the outcome by January.
Mr Booker thanked Bourne charity The Len Pick Trust for a final contribution which helped cross the appeal finish line.
He added: "I would also like to especially thank the Mercury which did so much to ensure that our cause reached its goal."