A practical new path to success

More very positive ‘signs of spring’ this week, as Ed Balls officially announced Studio Schools; a new type of school designed to engage young people who are more suited exploring a practical learning path to success. Excitingly, they’re the first of their kind in the world, and will cater for 14-19 year olds from a range of abilities. The aim is to better suit the needs of young people who might not otherwise reach their full potential in traditional school environments.

The schools have been designed by Edge and the Young Foundation, acting through the Studio Schools Trust, and have been developed in partnership with the Department for Children, Schools and Families. The first two will open in September next year in Luton and Kirklees, with further plans for schools in Blackpool, Newham, Oldham and South Tyneside in 2011.

I’m proud to say that Studio Schools have been informed by extensive research and best practice from Britain and around the world. With a focus on business and enterprise, they will look and feel more like a business than a school. Students will participate in a range of enterprise activities, learning the majority of the curriculum through practical multi-disciplinary learning and participating in paid work. Importantly, on leaving Studio School, students will have a range of progression routes available to them including the potential to go to university.

The essential elements of Studio Schools very much reflect Edge’s ethos:
- Schools 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 activities.
- Personalised learning and an innovative new staffing structure will ensure that students are supported to tailor the curriculum to their individual needs and aspirations.
- Students will spend a significant portion of their weekly time participating in hands-on, meaningful experience. Crucially, students will be paid for their work, with students over 16 earning a proper wage.
- On leaving their Studio School students will have gained at least Level 2 qualifications. They will have a range of progression routes available to them including apprenticeships, paid work, further and higher education.

I’m confident that Studio Schools will provide an important new option for young people who find the current academically focused education system disengaging. We know that there is a real need for this provision and I very much look forward to seeing many more Studio Schools open in the future.