Plans to open an innovative ‘Alternative Provision Free School’ have been given the go-ahead by the Department for Education.

The new facility will be based at two sites - at the existing Kingsland location, in Houghton Regis, and the former Roecroft Lower School site in Stotfold.

It will offer high quality education for up to 140 pupils, whose needs are not being met in mainstream schools and who require extra personalised support to help them succeed.

The proposal for the new school has been developed by the ten upper school headteachers in the area with support from a middle school headteacher, the headteacher of an existing special school and from Central Bedfordshire Council.

Cllr Mark Versallion, said: "We are delighted that the Department for Education has given the go ahead for the 'Alternative Provision Free School - it is a real success story for everyone involved and another innovative success for Central Bedfordshire.

“This is a great chance for everyone involved to make a big difference to the lives of pupils whose needs are not met in mainstream schools and to reduce the number of pupils falling out of the education system.

“We know that young people who are disengaged from education usually experience significant limitations to their life chances and opportunities. This is something which everyone involved with the bid believes is completely unacceptable.

“I believe this new school will provide the very best educational experience for these young people, by offering a personalised curriculum and opportunities that simply can't be delivered in mainstream schools."

Pupils at the new school will have a personalised timetable, built to meet their individual needs.

They will spend some time on the school sites and some time off-site, accessing opportunities that can’t be delivered in a mainstream school; for instance gaining valuable work experience in businesses or learning new skills through vocational training courses.