A SCHOOL that provides an alternative to mainstream education for more than 50 children is to close.

Tendring Enterprise Studio School, which opened in part of the former Bishop’s Park College in 2012, has announced it will close for good in August next year.

But it is understood Essex County Council is in discussions with education providers about plans for a new school at the same site, in Jaywick Lane, which could open in September 2016.

The studio school system is an alternative to mainstream education, providing work-related curriculum for pupils with vocational and academic qualifications, as well as work experience.

In a letter to parents, principal Ian Pearson said: “We now feel that the direction of the school has moved away from the original studio school concept and, consequently, the Department for Education has agreed to the request from our sponsor, the Academies Enterprise Trust, to close Tendring Enterprise Studio School in August 2016.

“However, I would like to reassure you that all current Year Ten and Year 12 pupils will be able to finish their two-year courses at the school.

“Essex County Council is in discussion with school partners regarding the potential to develop work-related and vocation provision for students in the Tendring area at the Tendring Education Centre, where the school is based, from September 2016.”

The school is run by the Academies Enterprise Trust, which also runs Clacton Coastal Academy.

It is understood the trust will not be sponsoring a new school at the site.

The trust’s regional director, Stephen Chamberlain, said: “The school currently has 55 students in Year Ten and these students will be able to remain at the school in Year 11 to complete their courses in summer 2016.

“Current Year 12 students will also be able to complete their two-year courses in Year 13."

He added: “Essex County Council is in discussion with school partners regarding the potential to develop alternative provision and provision for pupils with special educational needs on the Tendring Education Centre site.”

County hall education boss Ray Gooding said: “We are in discussions with local schools, Tendring Council and the Department for Education regarding potential future uses for the Tendring Education Centre.

No decision has yet been made.”