A new college catering for up to 600 young people could be created on the site of a doomed Walsall school within two years, it has been revealed.

Walsall College is to sponsor a university technical college on the Sneyd School site in Bloxwich.

The Vernon Way school is due to officially close in the summer of 2012 but the specialist engineering college is expected to open in September 2011.

The Government is expected to approve the creation of the university technical college for 14 to 19 year-olds which will have the Wolverhampton University as a co-sponsor.

It will aim to offer courses in engineering and related manufacturing, environmental science and construction disciplines leading to higher study and employment.

Principal and chief executive of Walsall College Amarjit Basi said: “The university technical college will be based in Walsall, and draw the overwhelming majority of students from within the borough, primarily following full-time courses, but with opportunities extended to pupils through strong partnerships with local schools.”

A campaign was run to try to save the school’s closure. should start in September 2011.