Background

The initial Studio Schools concept paper was published by the Young Foundation in 2006. Developed in close consultation with young people, academics, teachers, employers and local authorities, the paper outlined a radical new school model designed to address the twin challenges of missing skills and youth disengagement.

The study was informed by extensive research on good practice from around the world ranging from the United States and Australia to Hong Kong and Paraguay. It was shaped by the success of New Tech High Schools in the United States as well as Production Schools in Denmark. For further information on key case studies from around the world please click here

Studio Schools are also grounded in detailed academic evidence including the research of Nobel Prize winning economist James Heckman. His research concluded that employability skills are at least as important as technical skills in determining employability, earnings and career success. These lie at the very heart of the unique Studio Schools model.

The Young Foundation officially launched Studio Schools in 2007 at a special reception held at the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). The event was hosted by Lord Adonis, Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Schools and Learners, and was attended by representatives from central and local government, national and local business and schools from across the country.

Over the past two years Studio Schools have grown from strength to strength. They have been cited in a wide range of major policy documents including the ‘Children’s Plan’ and the Cabinet Office White Paper on public service reform, ‘Working Together’. Michael Gove, the Education Secretary, has backed the model saying, "I am a big fan of Studio Schools - they offer an exciting new option for parents and students." 

With local partners up and down the country now backing the model, the first wave of Studio Schools are set to open in the coming years.