A NEW studio school is to open in Heanor next year.
The Digital Studio School was this week given approval by the Department for Education.
It will be sponsored by the Derby College Education Trust in partnership with Derbyshire County Council, the University of Derby and key local employers.
It was one of a number of schools approved by the Government, alongside the Vision Studio School in Mansfield.
The preferred site for the studio school is at Derby College's Heanor campus in Mundy Street.
Funding bids to enable the £4.5 million refurbishment of the site which includes the former grammar school listed building and surrounding buildings are now awaiting approval by the Department for Education and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The school will cater for 300 students aged between 14 and 19 years old.
Studio schools combine mainstream qualifications including GCSEs and A-levels with specific vocational and professional qualifications in IT and digital technologies skills linked to the world of work.
Derby College chief executive Mandie Stravino said: "I am delighted that our proposal to open the very first Studio School in Derbyshire has been approved.
"We received overwhelming support during our consultation processes from young people, parents and the community but we were particularly inspired by the levels of commitment and pledges of support shown from over 100 employers."
