THE workings of Knutsford’s new £3million school were presented to parents and students on Thursday evening.

Knutsford Academy announced in April its intention to open a ‘Studio’ school, which will offer pupils the chance to learn academic subjects through practical projects designed and delivered by employers.

The Studio will be an option open to students at 14 or when they leave the Academy at 16, and will offer pupils – additional to academic GCSEs in English, maths and sciences – programmes relating to five employment pathways: computing, design-based industries, the broadcast media, sport and leisure and careers in the performing arts.

Work is due to start on the new building in January and it will be built on land that is currently used for parking to the east of the upper school building.

At a meeting held in the Academy’s Upper School hall on Thursday, November 21, parents and students were given a glimpse of how the new school would operate and what would be on offer to students.

Kevin Hollins spoke to the packed hall, while Nicola Hall, who has moved from a school in Blackpool to take up the headship at the Studio, introduced herself and told the members in the audience the opportunities on offer for those who choose to take this route.

The school will work closely with business partners, including Deloitte, the Forum of Private Business, Prozone, Manchester Airport and Barclays, to ensure students are given a taste of working like while they are studying.

Mr Hollins said: “This is the first event in a series that are planned for the students and their families so they can experience what the Studio school will be about. We’ve been working hard at getting the message out of what it is.

“Through its courses, students with leave with a suite of qualifications making it possible to gain entry into higher education of apprenticeship programmes.”

Ms Hall, who began her career working for Tesco before retraining as a teacher, added: “The kids in the Sixth Form will do paid work for Barclays when they are studying but they will be getting the experience to go with their learning.”

During the evening, children were encouraged to speak to the businesses and teachers involved in the specific programmes on offer.

The school will be open to students from 14 to 19 and will be open to a maximum of 300 pupils in September 2014.