A new free school to help vulnerable children who struggle in mainstream schools is set to take off after winning government approval.

Called Eaglewood, the school has been running as a pilot project in New Milton, and will now become permanent.

Twelve schools in the New Forest and Christchurch areas were behind the original bid, which was led by The Arnewood School in New Milton and support continues to grow.

The New Milton area has been identified as having the greatest need for a school that can provide special provision for children who struggle to succeed in mainstream education.

The pilot has been running for more than a year and both children’s attendance rates and academic progress have exceeded targets.

Principal designate of Eaglewood, Dr Mike Horswell, said: “Everyone involved in the bid is delighted that we have won government approval and funding to make Eaglewood a permanent new addition to the education provision in our area.

“There are children who are missing out on education because their needs are so specific they cannot be met through normal mainstream provision.

“This can include children from troubled families or young people with certain health or social needs for whom being taught in large numbers or large schools is just not suitable.

“Our pilot project has shown that providing a small, nurturing education environment is more suitable for these children, ensures they come to school and helps them reach their full potential.”

Hampshire County Council has estimated that around 100 young people in the New Milton area are missing out on their education.

Eaglewood will provide education services for 7-16 year-olds and is planned to cater for around 70 children in total when it opens fully in September next year.