PLACES at the £22 million JCB Academy are being snapped up, even though the centre of learning does not open until September 2010.

Two-thirds of places available for 14-year-olds have been taken with just 40 remaining and recruitment is also under way to fill the 50 places at the academy's sixth form.

Jim Wade, JCB Academy principal, said: "I am delighted and heartened by the enthusiastic response we've had so far with 80 places taken.

"We are different from schools because we offer an industry standard in machinery, IT and software rather than an educational standard.

"This unique curriculum will give our pupils a significant advantage by equipping them with the skills, knowledge and aptitude demanded by today's employers."