Windows 8 clean install

I have just created a partition on my old macbook pro so I can install windows onto the bootcamp partition for his school work.
I don't know what version of windows to install as when I look on the Microsoft web site they all say must have a previous version installed, at least that what I think it says.

As my son is a student, there is an option to purchase the Student edition of 8.1 Pro but Im not sure if that version would install on a clean hard drive partition.

Ant help would be greatly appreciated