A new school specialising in preparing students for careers in the space and aviation industries has got lift-off.

Space Studio West London, which is due to open in Feltham in September 2015, was one of seven new schools approved by education secretary Michael Gove today.

The studio school, combining academic studies with more hands-on learning, will teach 14 to 18-year-olds at the Aspirations Campus at Rivers Academy West London, in Tachbrook Road, Feltham.

The aim of the new school, on Heathrow's doorstep, is to prepare a new generation of skilled engineers and scientists to work in the aviation and space sectors.  Specialising in space, aerospace, science and maths, it will eventually cater for 300 pupils.

Students will get the chance to work with experts in those fields from bodies including the National Space Centre, the European Space Agency and firms based around Heathrow.

The school, which will be part of the Aspirations Academies Trust, will also focus on hospitality and catering training. It plans to open a restaurant in Feltham where students can gain work experience.

It will be non-selective and will be open to students from anywhere but the majority of pupils are expected to come from Feltham and surrounding areas.

Paula Kenning, the lead executive principal of Rivers Academy and Space Studio West London, said: "We are absolutely thrilled and delighted that the young people of Feltham and Bedfont are going to have this opportunity to develop high-level skills through a maths and science-centred education designed specifically for a career in the aerospace and space sectors. This is ground breaking for this community and will create unique opportunities for students."

The school's founders claim it is needed because the growth of the aerospace and space-related industries around Heathrow is being hampered by a lack of suitably killed workers.

Students from Rivers Academy last year visited space centres in the US, where they met astronauts and leading scientists, on a trip designed to fuel their interest in the aerospace industry.