Hope for Salisbury science and engineering school

A new school specialising in science and engineering could be set up in Salisbury within the next two years.

The school would be set up under the University Technical College (UTC) initiative for 14 to 18 year olds.

Former education secretary Lord Baker, engineering employers, 43 Wessex Brigade and the University of Southampton have all backed the plans.

There are about 12 UTCs running in England and a further 20 are due to open over the next 20 years.

'Build confidence'

UTCs work by having focussed support from local employers.

The aim is for pupils to get an insight into the application of science and engineering in industry in the hope of making them more employable when they leave school.

Project manager for the Salisbury UTC Development, Gordon Aitken, said: "UTC pupils study a full complement of GCSEs and A Levels but this is supplemented by specialist science and engineering qualifications and a wide range of out of school activities that build confidence and employability skills."

Also supporting the plan is Wiltshire College and Wiltshire Council's Economic Regeneration Team.

If the plan is successful, the first tranche of 14 to 16 year olds will start school in September 2014.