THE headteacher at a new studio school wants his pupils to be the next Alan Sugars and Richard Bransons.

Ian Pearson has been appointed as principal of the Tendring Enterprise Studio School, the first of its kind in the east of England.

The school, based at Clacton Coastal Academy’s site in Jaywick Lane, will open in September.

It will focus on vocational qualifications to prepare youngsters for the world of work.

Students, aged 14 to 19, will also spend a day a week on work experience with companies including Apple’s regional training centre.

Mr Pearson said he is excited at the opportunity to mould the school to be relevant to the modern world.

He said: “The school is aimed at students who aren’t well motivated by the choices they have in a standard school.

“We have an opportunity to make that individual motivated and engage in something they can excel in.

“We have high expectations and aspirations.

“We want pupils to leave this school and go on to great things, to be the movers and shakers, to be the Alan Sugars and Richard Bransons of tomorrow.”

Students will be taught academic subjects, such as English, maths and science, but will also take on vocational subjects such as engineering, construction, health and social care, hair and beauty, child care and catering and hospitality.

The school has been backed by companies including Cisco, Carillion, JTRS – Apple’s regional training centre, Dong Energy, Clacton Factory Outlet, Haven Gateway, Tendring Council and Harwich International Port.

The first 75 pupils will start at the school in September and the roll will increase to 300 students in two years.

Mr Pearson said: “The origins of the studio school came from concerns of businesses that students coming out of school were well qualified in terms of exams, but lack the skills for work and enterprise.

“A studio school is about training people to be very functional and prepared for the world of work.”

An information evening for parents and students will take place at the school tomorrow at 6.30pm.

There will also be an opportunity to have a one-to-one discussion with Mr Pearson on May 1 from 10am to 6.30pm. Appointments can be made by calling 01255 424600.

Students do not have to live in Tendring to apply for a place.