Yes it is new. It was announced on the 2nd November at the Professional Flyer Show - It was alledgedly a "big announcement" which was kept from the other ATPL providers.
Most schools provide a 3 sitting/module system and Bristol needed to make up ground.. I was speaking with them to enquire about joining the ATPL.. The person at the stand was convincing but the woman over the phone didn't exactly fill me with joy!