FAQs
What is a Studio School?
Studio Schools are a new state school model for 14 to 19 year olds of all abilities. They seek to address the growing gap between what young people require to succeed in life and the skills and knowledge that the current education system provides. In a country in which most lessons are taught in a traditional way Studio Schools will break new ground in the English education system, offering a pioneering practical approach to learning rooted in the real world.
Will Studio Schools teach the national curriculum?
Yes. All Studio Schools will teach the national curriculum in English, Maths, Science and ICT. What makes Studio Schools unique is the way that the national curriculum will be taught. The Studio Schools curriculum will move away from the traditional methods of subject delivery where subjects are taught in silo. Instead the it will be delivered via multi disciplinary practical learning, designed to better engage those young people who find the current academically focused education system disengaging.
Are Studio Schools an alternative to Pupil Referral Units?
Absolutely not. Studio Schools have not been developed as an alternative to Pupil Referral Units. They are not for ‘problem children’, but are rather for young people from a range of abilities who are better suited to a more ‘hands on’ approach to learning. They will be aspirational schools that will offer a range of both academic and vocational qualifications. On leaving their Studio Schools students will have a range of progression routes available to them including the potential to go to university.
Are Studio Schools vocational schools?
No. Studio Schools will offer both academic and vocational qualifications. They have been designed to break through the traditional divide between academic/ highly valued education and vocational/ ’second best’ training by providing an aspirational but practical pathway that will offer a broad range of qualifications.
Will Studio Schools students be able to go onto University?
Yes. Studio Schools will offer a range of key qualifications. 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 the potential to go to university.
Are Studio Schools selective?
No. Studio Schools are fully compliant with the Schools Admissions Code. They will be a 14-19 options choice, aimed at students who are better suited to a more ‘hands’ on approach to learning. It should be noted however that they will be able to select 10% of their students by reference to a specific aptitude.
Are Studio Schools private schools?
No. Studio Schools are all state schools. They will not charge fees.
What work placements will be offered at Studio Schools?
Work placements will differ from Studio School to Studio School. However, all will be aspirational and linked to employment opportunities in the local area. Crucially, students will receive remuneration for their work, with students over 16 earning a proper wage. This will ensure they are valued as employees by the businesses in which they work.
How will the Studio Schools curriculum be personalised?
All students in Studio Schools will meet frequently with a ‘personal coach’ who will work with them to identify and meet personal targets, helping them to tailor the Studio Schools curriculum to their individual needs and aspirations. Personal coaches will support students through one-to-one meetings, group coaching sessions and practical learning.
What are employability skills?
Employability skills are those skills that employers cite as important to success in the workplace. They include ‘soft skills’ such as interpersonal skills, team working skills, initiative and punctuality. Evidence consistently shows that employers are looking for - and not finding – these key ‘soft skills’ amongst school leavers.
How do I become part of the Studio Schools movement?
We have bold ambitions for Studio Schools and are keen to meet potential future partners. If you are interested in becoming part of the Studio Schools movement please contact Emma Nixon on emma.nixon@studioschoolstrust.org or 020 8709 9279.