THE Government has given the go ahead for a business -backed studio school to open in Southampton .

The Southampton Studio School, sponsored by and based at City College Southampton, should now open in September next year.

Providing education for 300 teenagers between 14 and 19 years old, the school will offer students the chance to study for mainstream exams as well as getting hands on experience of business and industry.

Several major Hampshire employers have already signed up to back the project.

The Southampton school is one of 15 given the green light today by the Department for Education, and will be one of just 30 around the country to be up and running next year.

College bosses will now work out financial details over the funding of the studio school.

Lindsey Noble, Principal and CEO of City College, said: “We are delighted that our bid to establish Southampton Studio School has been successful.

“This new type of school will enable some young people to reach their potential in a way that helps them maintain their motivation.

“We are very excited to be part of this initiative which will give the opportunity to gain GCSE qualifications while getting vital work experience and employability skills.”

A series of open days will now be planned to provide parents and prospective students more information about exactly how the school will work