A six-week consultation is underway for parents to share their views on the proposed new space school due for lift off in September 2015.

Run by the Aspirations Academies Trust, the first of a series of public meetings was launched on Wednesday (21), and marked the start of the consultation to help people understand the vision and plans for Space Studio West London in Feltham.

Almost 200 parents and potential students, among them aspiring astronauts, created a buzz at the open evening where 35 registrations forms were handed in for students wanting one of the 75 places in Year 10 and 12.

Parent James Pomeroy, 35 of Feltham, said: "With the worries about children growing up with exams and no jobs this Studio School gives a real connection between learning and employment. "The integration with real-world local business is a huge leap forward for our next generation.

"The range of skills really sets the students on an excellent path to success.” 

Visitors also learnt about exciting new projects in the space industry as well as the reality of the first human expedition to Mars!

Another parent, who did not wish to be named, added: “I can’t believe this school is really going to open, my daughter has always talked about being an astronaut and now there’s a real chance of it happening."

The school which will be led by principal Andrew Morgan will teach 14 to 18-year-olds at the Aspirations Campus, at Rivers Academy, in Tachbrook Road.

Mr Morgan who is passionate about science and has a strong background on teaching the subject, was introduced to visitors on the day.

He said: "This is an extraordinary opportunity to use space and aerospace education to expand experiences and broaden horizons for students in west London."

People also heard from Paula Kenning, executive principal of Rivers Academy and Aspirations Academies Trust, as well as Steve Lima, lead NASA educator at the Astronaut Training Facility – Kennedy Space Centre, and business people from relevant industries attended from EngineeringUK, Spark London and Brooklands College.

Ms Kenning said the event was a huge success, adding: "Students who are interested in working in the Space and Aerospace sectors, as well as in the field of food science or production will have exceptional opportunities to work with the world of business as well as first class educators to ensure that they are leagues ahead of others when it comes to gaining places at exceptional universities or in skilled employment.

"Progress towards opening is accelerating rapidly! We are overwhelmed by the level of interest from parents and students determined to secure their place at the Space Studio."

Mr Lima who came all the way from the US said: “There is nothing like this in the States and the Space Studio West London is a great opportunity for kids in the UK giving them an advantage in the Space and Aerospace Industries.” 

Simon Shimmens, director of schools engagement at EngineeringUK, added: “We recognise the need to excite, attract and develop a greater talent pool into industries such as Space and Aerospace.

"The Space Studio will be a fantastic facility for providing a range of future engineers, and hopefully an astronaut or two”.

Plans for the new building are underway and public meetings will be held throughout the summer and autumn terms with parents, the wider community and schools in the area.

The three Aspirations Academies in the borough; Rivers Academy in Feltham, Oriel Academy in Hanworth, and Oak Hill Academy in Feltham, will also welcome comments on their school websites.

For the last two years, students from Rivers Academy have 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.

The next public meeting takes place at Rivers Academy at 7pm on June 11. To attend email carioinebarringer@aspirationsacademies.org or call 020 8751 9888.

For more information and to register visit www.spacestudiowestlondon.org