A NEW "innovative" school in the North-East has been approved by the government and hopes to open this September.

Plans for a new secondary school with a unique curriculum in Gateshead have been approved by the Department for Education (DfE).

XP Gateshead will focus on the expeditionary learning model of the XP School in Doncaster, which has been recognised by Ofsted as 'Outstanding' in all areas and will be based in part of the former Thomas Hepburn Community Academy.

The school will initially offer 50 places to Year 7 students. Students will learn through a curriculum designed to develop work, character growth and academic success.

The XP Schools Trust believes schools should be tightly integrated into the community, focused on creating academically rigorous but authentic experiences.

Councillor Gary Haley, cabinet member for Children and Young People, said: "This is welcome news.

"We're delighted that XP Gateshead has been approved as it will offer an exciting and innovative new secondary school which can help young people across Gateshead to thrive.

"We're pleased that this will expand the choices available for parents when looking at secondary schools with their children. 

"Our secondary schools in Gateshead have been oversubscribed for a number of years so we're pleased that DfE is starting to acknowledge the pressures our schools are facing.

"Having 50 new year 7 places will undoubtedly help our schools and young people although we will continue to raise our concerns with DfE to ensure resources across the borough stop being spread too thinly."  

Gwyn ap Harri CEO of the XP Schools Trust is "thrilled".

He said: We know from the fantastic feedback from the local community in Gateshead earlier this year, that there is strong support for our plans for the school.

"We are looking forward to working with families, students, the community and the local authority in the coming months and years, to make XP Gateshead a positive addition to the educational offer in the North-East and a beacon for beautiful work and exceptional outcomes."

Gateshead Council says more information relating to the application process will be made available as soon as possible.