Southampton Studio School applications open

Applications have opened for places at a new "studio school" in Hampshire.

There are 300 places available at Southampton Studio School which will specialise in "marine and cruise industries".

The school, which is backed by Associated British Ports (ABP), is set to open next September.

Studio schools cater for pupils aged 14-19, combining academic studies and work-based training. Eleven studio schools opened in England last month.

Southampton Studio School is one of 15 new studio schools which were announced over the summer and are expected to open in 2013 or 2014.

'Personal coach'

Helen Mason, project manager for Southampton Studio School, said one of its "key qualities" would be small class sizes.

"Students will learn through individually structured pathways, each guided by their own personal coach, to ignite desire for learning and develop independence and confidence," she said.

Under 16s will all try to achieve five GCSE qualifications, in English, maths, double science and information technology.

They will also take part in work placements with the city's port, cruise and marine companies, as well as other big companies in the area, such as Ikea.

Sixth-formers will be able to choose from various qualifications including A-levels and apprenticeships.