Four representatives from Marlow Film Studios gave a presentation to 120 students ahead of the formal planning application being submitted to Buckinghamshire Council later this month.

Pupils aged 15 to 17 from Great Marlow School had their chance to put questions to the project in a session organised headteacher Kevin Ford.

The developers are looking to build a “state-of-the-art” film studio next to the A404 near the Westhorpe roundabout.

There has been backlash from nearby Westhorpe Park residents but local headteachers have praised the proposal.

Great Marlow School headteacher, Kevin Ford said: “I invited representatives of both the Marlow Film Studios and those campaigning against it, to come into school so students could put their questions forward – and most importantly hear the answers directly from the team involved about the matters which are most important to them,” said

“The studios potentially offer future generations of Marlow a great opportunity and it is important that young people are able to make up their own minds about its impacts – both positive and negative.”

During the 90-minute session held in the school’s hall, Marlow Film Studios’ founder and CEO Robert Laycock gave an overview of the studio design.

Educational and skills ambassadors Bebe O’Shea and education consultant Jules Robinson voiced what opportunities the studios will provide for the younger generation.

The pair discussed details including a dedicated cultural and skills academy from which to run its programmes, events, and open days, as well as providing much-needed bursaries and at least 30 new traineeships for young people every year.

Planning consultant Mark Schmull talked to the students about how aspects of the development are going to be mitigated before the whole panel answered questions from both students and teachers.

Bebe O’Shea said: “My role as education and skills ambassador is to engage with all the educational institutions in Buckinghamshire and though this process has only just begun, it is great to hear the support there is for the film studios in local discussions.

“The commitments to skills and training for young people locally are a big part of this project.”

“The Great Marlow School event was an open discussion and feedback has so far been really positive from both students and staff, who are now much more informed about the studios and its opportunities.”