The first of a new type of state school could be built in Bradford, specialising in international food and travel.

The McMillan Education Trust, developed by Bradford College to look after its sponsored academies and partner schools, has submitted the application to Education Secretary Michael Gove for the country’s first ‘studio school’, for 14 to 19-year-olds.

The schools look to address the “growing gap” between requirements of young people to succeed in life and the skills and knowledge currently provided by the education system.

Michele Sutton, Bradford College’s principal and chief executive, said: “We are very excited by our application to pursue the development of a new studio school specialising in international food and travel.

“There is one final stage in the application process which is an interview with the Department of Education and we hope to have a final decision in December.

“We have worked with a number of high-profile businesses in the region’s hospitality, catering and travel industry to develop this innovative project.

“It will provide learners not only with qualifications, but also with on-the-job training and the opportunity to earn money through real work placements.”

Opportunities will include food preparation, logistics and cabin crew.

Studio schools will teach the national curriculum and offer the same qualifications as traditional schools, but students will work on enterprise projects in the school and community.

The college’s proposal is for the city- centre based studio, which will cater for 300 students, to be open in time for the new school year in September 2012.

The college has said that if the school gets the go-ahead a number of jobs will be created. The school will be in an existing city centre building, but no particular site had yet been earmarked.

e-mail: james.rush@telegraphandargus.co.uk