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New studio schools and academies launched as part of continued drive to raise standards for all

26 November 2009

A new type of school designed to engage more practical pupils has formally been announced by Schools Secretary, Ed Balls.

Two pilot Studio Schools, which offer an innovative new curriculum involving practical learning and paid work, have today been approved by Ed Balls. They will be based at Barnfield College in Luton and the Netherhall Learning Campus in Kirklees.

The schools, which have a focus on business and enterprise, will cater for 14-19 year olds from a range of abilities. They have been designed to better suit the needs of young people who might not otherwise reach their full potential in a traditional school environment.

Students will participate in a range of enterprise activities, learning the majority of the curriculum through practical multi-disciplinary learning and taking part in paid work. On leaving a Studio School, students will have gained qualifications such as GCSEs, A-Levels and Diplomas, opening up a range of progression routes to them including the potential to go to university.

Schools Secretary, Ed Balls said:

"Studio Schools offer students the opportunity to get the skills and qualifications they need through a more practical approach. There are lots of student who will learn better though developing their natural interest in business or practical skills rather than spending most of their time sitting in a traditional classroom

"These first two schools will also provide a model for other studio schools to develop across the country, by demonstrating how they can help to raise standards and offer new opportunities for young people."

The essential elements of Studio Schools are:

• Small schools: with around 300 students, it will allow them to create the small school environment that evidence shows can play an important role in tackling disengagement and raising attainment
• Ensuring student achieve key qualifications: their Studio School students will have gained qualifications opening up progression routes to apprenticeships, paid work, further and higher education
• Offer practical learning: they will teach the national curriculum but will have a very different style and ethos to most existing schools, with the majority of the curriculum taught through enterprise themed practical learning
• Follow personalised curriculum: through an innovative staffing structure students are supported to tailor the curriculum to their individual needs and aspirations
• Real work opportunities: to give them a first-hand insight into the working world, students will spend a significant portion of their weekly time participating in meaningful paid work experience

For further information please read the full press release.

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Last updated on 26/11/2009