STUDENTS in Clacton have been praised as their school continues to grow.

Tendring Enterprise Studio School, in Jaywick Lane, prepares youngsters for the world of work and focuses on vocational qualifications, as well as academic subjects.

Students also spend one day a week on work experience or apprenticeships.

Clacton MP Douglas Carswell said the school was growing from strength to strength after he visited.

“I am amazed at how enterprising the students at the school are,” he said.

“They don’t just learn, they learn things that allow them to get ahead in the workplace.”

Mr Carswell was shown around the new horticultural project and was told about a number of entrepreneurial projects the children are working on.

“From September next year, 14 to 16 year-olds will be able to take Technical Awards alongside GCSEs.

“These new qualifications will be on a par with new GCSEs and would prepare young people for the world of work.

“For too long, government has ignored these kinds of qualifications.

“At last, officialdom is starting to recognise that the sort of courses taught at the studio school are not some sort of added extra, but vital.

“Offering this kind of learning to young people is key not only to helping them thrive in the world of work, but helping our area prosper.”

He said the school gave young people a range of opportunities they might not otherwise have had.