A COLLEGE has announced today (Wednesday) that it will be opening its second studio school.

North Hertfordshire College will open a school which specialises in creative enterprise in Letchworth GC.

Following the realisation of the Da Vinci Studio School of Science and Engineering which opens in Stevenage in September, The Da Vinci Studio School of Creative Enterprise will be ready for the first intake of pupils in September 2013.

Fintan Donohue, principal and chief executive at North Hertfordshire College, said: “The popularity of the Da Vinci Studio School of Science and Technology at our Stevenage Campus has taken us by surprise; a waiting list has already been formed for September.

“It is terrific news for North Hertfordshire to learn that we have been invited to take forward the Da Vinci Studio School of Creative Enterprise in Letchworth. We have received exceptional support for this development from local employers, from the Heritage Foundation and indeed from the residents of Letchworth, who see the prospect of bringing significant numbers of young people into learning environments in Letchworth as very positive news for the economic wellbeing and general life of the town.”

John Lewis, chief executive of Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation, added: “It’s great to see North Hertfordshire College opening a new studio school in Letchworth GC. Not only will this add to the town’s existing educational offer, it will also increase the creative skills base which supports our vision for an improved arts and cultural offer in Letchworth.”

North East Herts MP Oliver Heald said: “I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of Fintan Donohue, all at North Hertfordshire College and those involved in the bid. I know from my correspondence with the Education Minister that they found this a very impressive bid.”

Studio schools are a new state-funded school model designed to offer students an innovative curriculum based on integrating practical, vocational and technical education with the national curriculum.

Targeting students in the 14-19 age range, specifically interested in preparing for a career in the creative industries, the school will have capacity for 400 students in years 10-13 and in September 2013 will admit its first students into years 10 and 12.

For more information or to register your interest in applying to the Da Vinci Studio School for Creative Enterprise, call 01462 424242 or visit www.davinci-school.co.uk