Isle of Wight Island Studio School planned

A new studio school is set to open on the Isle of Wight.

Island Studio School will cater for up to 300 pupils, specialising in marine manufacturing and offshore energy. It is expected to open in September 2014.

Studio schools, which combine academic studies and work-based training, are for pupils aged 14 to 19.

The plans, submitted by the Southampton Studio School Academy Trust, are subject to approval by the Department for Education.

'New concept'

Dawn Cousins, from Isle of Wight Council, said: "Studio Schools are a new concept and we are very pleased to support the setting up of a new school on the Isle of Wight.

"With the Solent Offshore Energy Centre, (SOEC) there could be excellent opportunities for students to learn about marine-based skills required in the heart of the marine industry."

The SOEC is a planned council scheme to create tidal energy testing facilities off the Island's southern tip at St Catherine's Point.

Eleven studio schools opened in England in September.

Over the summer a further 15 were announced and are expected to open in 2013 or 2014.

A public consultation event about the Island Studio School proposals will take place on 30 November at New Holmwood Hotel, Cowes.