A BRAND new school in Dorchester has announced its first principal.

Dorset Studio School – which opens its doors this September – has proudly welcomed Caryl Lewis, pictured.

The new school for 13 to 19-year- olds is a partnership between Kingston Maurward College and the Thomas Hardye School, and will be based at the college campus in Dorchester.

The school will combine GCSEs in maths, English, sciences and ICT with qualifications in environmental and land-based sciences, as well as skills needed for employability and starting a business.

Mrs Lewis began her career in Suffolk, before working in south Wales. She has held two headship positions – one in a comprehensive school in the south Wales valleys and the second in a state school on Jersey, Channel Islands.

She said: “I am very much looking forward to working with and developing an exciting form of education for young people in the local area, which will offer students high standards of both academic learning and practical vocational learning.

“I am looking forward to building further on the strong partnerships already established with Kingston Maurward College and The Thomas Hardye School, and to forging strong links with local employers who will be actively involved with student learning opportunities.

“It is an absolute privilege to be a part of this exciting new educational development in Dorset, and be a part of the future shaping of education to ensure the students of the Dorset Studio School will have every opportunity of success in both life and work.”