The countdown to the launch of a space school in Feltham has begun.
Plans for Space Studio West London are rocketing ahead and time is running out for science and maths whizz-students to apply for one of the 50 places left at the school, which is due to to open its doors in September this year.
So far, more than 100 applications have been submitted for a possible 150 places following consultation meetings at the school, which will be led by principal Andrew Morgan and teach 14 to 18-year-olds at the Aspirations Campus, at Rivers Academy, in Tachbrook Road.
Mr Morgan said: "During our recent consultation meetings it has been a pleasure to see the excitement on the faces of the students and their parents as the opening of our new school approaches.
"There is obviously a demand for the school and its focus in the local area and I have been hugely impressed with the quality and enthusiasm of the students who have applied so far."
The Aspirations Academies Trust who are opening this new school for young people to join in Year 10 or Year 12 also have strong links with NASA in Houston Texas, and a successful track record of sending pupils to the USA on educational visits from other sites including Space Studio Banbury.
The school will specialise in science and maths and have strong links to the space, aerospace and engineering industries locally, nationally and internationally.
Companies and universities will work with the school to provide mentoring and set up hands-on work experience with employers such as The National Space Centre, UK Space Agency and the aerospace industry around Heathrow, to ensure students develop essential skills needed in the workplace.
Offer letters are due to be sent out by March 1, and open evenings will be held on March 2 and 23. These will be interactive events so families can take part in fun science activities such as a mobile planetarium.
Visit the website or call Caroline Barringer on 020 8751 9888 or email info@spacestudiowestlondon.org
