Waiting list for JCB academy in Staffordshire

JCB has donated the renovated Tutbury Mill for the school's use

A waiting list has been drawn up for a place at a new JCB academy high school.

The £22m school, in Rocester, Staffordshire, will specialise in engineering and business diplomas as well as GCSEs. It opens in September.

Up to 170 pupils will start there later this year and it is hoped the academy will eventually take more than 500 students, a spokesman said.

JCB has contributed 10% of the capital to fund the school based inside a Grade II mill, close to its headquarters.

'Regenerates engineering'

Academies are independent state schools with outside partners, high levels of investment and greater autonomy.

Principal Jim Wade said: "We are delighted that the academy is fully subscribed and that it has proven to be so popular that there is now a waiting list for places.

"I am sure this kind of interest will continue in the future."

JCB said last year when the school was confirmed, that it hoped the academy "regenerates engineering and manufacturing in Britain".