Carlisle school plan for pupils requiring extra support

The school would initially accommodate up to 120 children

Plans for a new school to help children who struggle in mainstream education have been announced.

Cumbria Education Trust (CET) is working with Cumberland Council to open the school for 11-16-year-olds in Carlisle.

Now it has been given the go-ahead by the Department for Education.

Cumberland Council's Elaine Lynch said the school was "a vital resource for inclusion" and would help children lead fulfilling lives.

The school, which will initially be for up to 120 pupils, will offer a range of GCSE and BTEC subjects.

It will be designed to meet the needs of young people who require an alternative curriculum and specialised support for their education.

A site is yet to be confirmed for the school, as is a timescale for opening.

CET said the Cumberland Alternative Provision School would provide a robust assessment of students' needs.

Lorrayne Hughes said CET had been working "tirelessly" on the project

The trust already runs three secondary and 10 primary schools across Cumbria, including Longtown Primary School and The Whitehaven Academy.

CET chief executive Lorrayne Hughes said: "We have been working tirelessly for several years to ensure our bid was of the highest quality and we are looking forward to the next stage of this venture."

Councillor Lynch, who is responsible for learning and development, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for the Cumberland area to ensure more pupils have access to a supportive and well-rounded education."