A NEW school offering students practical experience and workplace skills could open in Evesham next year.

Proposals announced by South Worcestershire College would see the new school open in September 2013.

The South Worcestershire School of Enterprise would provide a fast-track route into employment along with a strong foundation for a career in business for 300 students aged between 13 and 18.

To be located at the college’s campus on Davies Road, the school would place the students’ learning in the real world and develop the skills they need to succeed as the business people of the future.

Pupils would be offered weekly work experience, vocational training, personal coaching and the chance to take part in entrepreneurial activities alongside core GCSEs including maths, English and science.

The sixth form would focus specifically on students becoming independent business people and entrepreneurs.

Students would undertake an Extended National Diploma in business studies while establishing their own businesses for profit.

South Worcestershire College principal Michael O’Brien said: “The studio school would get the young people a set of skills that make them employable. Young people will gain the key skills and attributes that local businesses have said they require.

“We are very focused on two things which have been inspiring to me as head of the college.

“Firstly the capacity is capped at 300, which keeps it small and personal for the pupils. The second thing is it provides employability skills for the students. We need our local employers as partners to develop our young people.

“I am hoping for a positive response at the open evening.

For some young people this is what will help them achieve.

If it gets approval it will be a really exciting addition to the schooling in our area.”

Parents, young people and business leaders are invited to the open evening at the Evesham campus on Davies Road on Wednesday, February 15, where the future of the new school will be discussed further.

For more information visit enterprise.sworcs.ac.uk