DEMAND has been so high for a new Bicester academy opening in September that extra spaces have been added.

Nearly 150 people have signed up to the new multi-million pound Tech Studio being built in Queens Avenue.

Originally the technology-based school planned to take on about 110 pupils in its first term but has been given government approval to extend that number due to the number of youngsters applying.

Head teacher Richard Brown, who has worked in education since 2002, said: "We have been oversubscribed, but thanks to the government we have been allowed to take on more places so we have more availability.

"I think it has been popular because of the connection we have with local business and the work experience that pupils will have each week.

"It is a longer day for pupils but we want our students to work hard. Often when pupils normally join work places they realise how hard it is and they step up.

"But we want them to have that motivation earlier at school."

It comes as the final touches are being put to the £4m studio school - which will teach environmentally-friendly construction and technology - ahead of its grand opening.

The works, by contractors ISG, are expected to finish ahead of time and tours will be carried out in August for prospective business partners and students.

Eventually the school will take about 300 pupils aged between 14 and 19 will teach a curriculum focusing on sustainable technology and building methods.

So far there are about 50 business signed up to work with students in classrooms, on projects and with work place experience.

The former director of The Langley Academy in Slough Mr Brown said: "It is all looking brilliant. We are walking around now doing the finishing touches such as displays so it is all coming together.

"Everybody has been very impressed and we have about 50 businesses joined up with the school but hope to have about 150 in the next three years.

"They will come in and share their experiences at a basic level to students, plus presenting or helping to plan the curriculum with us.

"It is a real mixture to get the highest level of involvement in the work place.

"ICG have also been fantastic and done very well working with the community."

The curriculum will follow the normal school subjects such as maths, science, English, art and design technology but with a technology-based specialism.

Pupils will be at school roughly from 8.15am to 5pm and this includes work placement once every week.

Businesses working with the school include lead developers at NW Bicester eco town A2Dominon, Brita, Chiltern Railways, RED Engineering, Zeta Specialist Lighting, Bioregional and Willmott Dixon.

Pupils can register their interest at bicestertechstudio.org.uk