ST HELENS College's new academy for 14 to 16 year has officially opened.

The town mayor Cllr Geoffrey Pearl was at the launch event on Monday to cut the ribbon.

The academy is described as an alternative for young people to staying at school for GCSEs and it offers a range of vocational courses alongside core GCSE subjects such as English and maths.

College Principal Jette Burford said: "We now have students aged from 14 to around 80 at the college as we offer everything - from full blown honours degrees to further education courses.

"Our 14-16 academy offers something a little bit different and is especially suitable for pupils who already have an idea of what they want to do."

Amongst vocational options offered for the 14 to 16-year-olds are engineering, construction, catering and beauty. From next year, it is hoped music technology and animal care options will also be on offer.

Mrs Burford added: "It's about choice. It provides new options and will introduce students to future employers, the world of work and work experience - in a way which may not be possible at a conventional school.

"We have the large scale facilities to teach subjects like engineering and catering, whereas traditional schools may not have the space or equipment."

She said out of more than 200 applications, only around 50 students were accepted at the academy.

"What was important at interview was that applicants showed a real interest in the vocational aspects of courses. We wanted to see their enthusiasm."

The purpose-built 14-16 Academy is based at St Helens College's Waterside Campus, in Pocket Nook Street.