Barnfield's Studio School - First in the UK

Schools Secretary Ed Balls today announced a new type of school designed to engage more practical learners. The Barnfield Studio School, which offers an innovative new curriculum involving practical learning and paid work, will open in Luton from September 2010.

The Barnfield Studio School is the first of its kind in the world and will cater for 14-19 year olds from a range of abilities. It builds upon Barnfield College’s national pilot of the Studio Schools concept which saw eighteen young people from Barnfield Federation participate in key elements of the model. The field trial was a success with students gaining an average of nine GCSEs at A* to C.

The school has been informed by extensive research and best practice from Britain and around the world. It has been designed to better suit the needs of local young people who might not otherwise reach their full potential in traditional school environments. Students will participate in a range of enterprise activities, learning the majority of the curriculum through practical multi-disciplinary activities and participating in paid work. On leaving their 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 are:

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 apprenticeships, paid work, further and higher education.

Personalised curriculum

The Studio Schools curriculum framework allows for a high degree of personalisation. An innovative new staffing structure will ensure that students are supported to tailor the curriculum to their individual needs and aspirations.

Practical learning

Studio 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.

Real Work

To give them a first-hand insight into the working world, all Studio Schools students will spend a significant portion of their weekly time participating in real work. Crucially, students will receive remuneration for their work, with students over 16 earning a proper wage.

Small schools

Studio Schools will be small schools of 300 students. This will allow them to create the small school environment that evidence shows can play an important role in tackling disengagement and raising attainment.

Ed Balls, Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families, said,

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

Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of Barnfield College and Chairman of the Barnfield Academies said:

“Barnfield is proud to be the first Further Education College to break new ground and establish a Studio School.  The Studio School will form a key part of our Federation along with our two other academies.  The Studio School will provide young people aged 14 years upwards, with great opportunities to develop their creative and entrepreneurial flair, in an environment personalised to their abilities and interests”

The Barnfield Studio School will be created within the existing College Campus.