A NEW independent school providing ‘alternative education’ is set to open in Shawforth next month.

Shiers’ School, which will be based in Market Street, has been set up by Preston-based group ACE Provision Limited.

Around 20 jobs could be created if the school reaches its capacity of 20 pupils, aged 11 to 16.

The school recently finalised its registration with governing body Ofsted and has submitted a planning application to Rossendale Council to change the use of an unused building which is part of the existing Mercedes Independent Specialist garage.

ACE, which stands for Alternative Care and Education, is made up of five friends including Waterfoot teaching assistant Justine Shiers, who were disillusioned with the support offered by mainstream schools to youngsters with behavioural problems.

Simon Coombes, who served for 22 years in the Royal Engineers, said there were also plans in place for the school to eventually act as a care home. He said: “The school has been about 14 months in the planning. I did some mentoring work in schools after leaving the army and was unimpressed with the way some kids were treated.

“We thought we could do it a lot better and give troubled kids what they deserve. Most of them have had a bit of a bad start in life.”

Paul Addison, an experienced headteacher, Des Coop, a retired Lancashire Police detective inspector and Dr Chris Bamber, who has worked at further education colleges in Bolton and Manchester, are the other figures behind the school. They are currently working with other schools in Rossendale to set up a pupil referral systems for students on the cusp of expulsion.

As well as core subjects such as English and maths, the school will provide vocational training, and address discipline issues.

Mr Coombes added: “We’re determined to work with local agencies and people to benefit the area as best we can.”