DECIDING on a potential future career path aged 14 could be a daunting prospect for some students.

But the new principal at the town's Future Tech Studio School (FTS) says plenty of pupils have been embracing the idea with many parents also wishing they had a similar opportunity in their teenage years.

The school, which opened in September last year next to Warrington Collegiate, is aimed at 14 to 19-year-olds specialising in qualifications leading to careers in IT and telecommunications, business and finance and engineering service sectors.

It may be early days for the school but so far 100 per cent of students gained first year equivalent qualifications in their Level 3 vocational technical diplomas while all year 10 students also enjoyed work placements out in their chosen industry.

And Gail Stonier says there is more good results to come.

She added: "I wanted to come here because we focus on employability and preparing students for the world of work.

"It's an exciting place to be and the passion of the teaching staff here comes through straight away.

"It's a very dynamic, hands-on approach and parents have been very interested as what they want for their young person is to secure a job and progress in an industry.

"One parent told me the support of the school and the employer partners was something she could have only wished for at school.

"It's a big decision for students and it's got to be the right thing for them but we have regular open evenings throughout the year so they can speak to us and get a feel for the place."

FTS had been a unique option in the town for teenagers but with the opening of Warrington's first University Technical College (UTC) looming, Gail adds there is enough room for both.

The 42-year-old, who has previously worked at Leeds City College, said: "There's a lot of competition out there for jobs but our students already have work experience, transferable skills and proved they can do the job with many offered positions following their placements.

"We have not got anything to worry about when the UTC opens as we're already oversubscribed.

"We're looking forward to building on our first year successes and will be continuing to look at what Warrington needs for future workforces."