SALISBURY’S University Technical College (UTC) has been praised by a Government Minister for its “commitment and energy” before it has even opened.

The compliment came in a letter from Lord Nash, the Schools Minister, in which he formally confirmed that the UTC would receive a Funding Agreement from the Government, saying this was “testament to the UTC’s commitment and passion to open a unique and exciting school”.

The UTC will open in September 2015, with students in Year 10 and Year 12.

At the beginning of August it takes over the former Salisbury Police Station site in Wilton Road and begins a full refurbishment and new build programme with a budget of around £8m.

Potential students can begin applying to join the UTC from September 1 this year and there are places available in 2015 for 104 Year 10s and 136 Year 12s.

More information is available at www.wiltshire-utc.co.uk.