VIRGO Fidelis is one of just four schools in the UK and 11 schools worldwide that will be offering sixth-form pupils a new kind of course.

The school in Central Hill, Upper Norwood, will be running the IBCC, a more vocational type of qualification.

As part of the course, students will learn regular subjects, but also learn a foreign language at beginner level and undertake some voluntary work.

Head teacher Sister Bernadette said: "I'm keen to offer a wide variety of subjects for all the sixth-form students and I'm thrilled we can offer this one."