Sir – I am sure that everyone would agree that we should all do as much as possible to help our young people achieve well at school and to be ready to enter the workplace when they leave. Your article on February 2 outlined the challenges.

It is largely for this reason that the New Oxford School Trust is putting forward a proposal for a different type of state school on the Harwell Oxford campus.

The Harwell Enterprise Academy would widen the choices available to people in the greater Didcot area and provide new places as that area grows.

It is a non-selective state secondary school open to boys and girls of all abilities and will differ from most schools by having an extended school day to allow more time to learn and practise those key skills in English, maths, science and ICT which will help students to prepare for working life.

It will have extensive links to businesses and research organisations on the campus and nearby business parks so that students will be able to experience the real workplace throughout their school careers, gaining real awareness of the skills and attitudes that will make them highly employable.

With access to leading edge research, technology and science, students will be inspired to develop their entrepreneurial skills.

Harwell Enterprise Academy will be an academy trust. Its trustees are all Oxfordshire people and are unpaid.

We wish to be a fully participating member of the family of Oxfordshire schools.

The Government will only allow this proposal to proceed if there is significant parental support. If you would like to see this school as an option for 2013, please visit our website (www.newoxfordschooltrust.org) and register your support.

Terry Stock, Chairman, New Oxford School Trust