BOLTON'S newest school has thrown open its gates.

University Technical College Bolton welcomed in its first intake of 270 pupils into its multi-million campus next to the University of Bolton.

The school for 14 to 19-year-olds specialises in health sciences and engineering technologies and is a new idea in education, developed in response to the needs of industry.

The school has the freedom to set its own curriculum which school leaders say brings together academic, practical and technical learning with an industry focus.

UTC Bolton says it focused on health sciences and engineering technologies due to the “significant skills shortages” in these areas nationally and locally.

Chief executive of the UTC Dr Zubair Hanslot said: “This is a pivotal moment for me, the school and the university.

“It brings together two years of hard work and dedication from the team in providing this fantastic school for the town of Bolton.

“It was amazing to see the excitement on the faces of students and staff, and this gives me confidence that we will reach our goal of being outstanding everyone, everything, every time.”

Numbers at the school are set to grow to 600 by 2017 and teenagers will benefit from the university facilities and the lecturers and specialists who work there.

Principal David Goddard said: “This marks the start of an important journey for our 270 students.

"The road begins today to ensure all of our students achieve UTC Bolton’s promise a university place, employment or further learning in health sciences and engineering technologies.

“We look forward to welcoming more students with a passion for science over the coming years, with our core purpose of providing an outstanding technical and academic education.”

The UTC will host an open evening on Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm.

To attend visit utcbolton.org/open-days