Endorsements

“We're setting up new Studio Schools offering a unique way of learning rooted in the real world with a curriculum tailored to those who will benefit from more practical learning, with support from skilled craftsmen and work experience with local employers.”

Rt Hon David Cameron MP
Prime Minister 

“Studio Schools are a vital new option for parents and young people ... Studio Schools will break new ground in the education system and I look forward to seeing many more open across the country in the coming years.”

“I’m a big fan of Studio Schools- they offer an exciting new option for parents and students.”

Rt Hon Michael Gove MP
Secretary of State for Education

“We are right behind the Studio Schools movement and keen to see it grow.

Studio Schools have a fresh and new culture for young people at risk of dropping out elsewhere. They are all ability, have high aspirations for all pupils and make sure young people get the strong qualifications they need to get into employment or university, whether that’s GCSEs, A levels, Diplomas, BTECs or NVQs.

But they also give them the practical skills employers demand in trades like construction, hospitality, plumbing and engineering, as well as softer skills like team working, communication, initiative and punctuality – exactly the kind of intangibles that businesses want but often can’t find in school leavers.

Studio schools show us how to go beyond so-called ‘traditional’ teaching by using some of the most innovative teaching methods like personal mentoring and coaching, project-based learning which cuts across subjects, and rooting lessons in practical, real-life situations. And they use smaller classes to back up high-quality staff, allowing them to focus more attention on pupils who might have been at risk of falling behind or switching off.”

Lord Hill of Oareford
Under Secretary of State for Schools

“I am pleased to support Studio Schools, which combine practical learning through enterprise projects with real experience of the world of work. Succeeding in a competitive job market is not just about passing exams but also about having self confidence and being articulate. Through working closely with employers and businesses, Studio Schools will help students gain a broad range of employability skills and work experience, as well as key qualifications, which is essential if they are to achieve their full potential.”

Stephen Twigg MP
Shadow Secretary of State for Education

“The Studio Schools Trust is currently developing Studio Schools with seven local authorities - engaging young people by offering a range of qualifications through an enterprise based curriculum and working in partnership with local businesses to help pupils develop employability skills.”

Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP
Former Prime Minister 

“Studio Schools offer students the opportunity to get the skills and qualifications they need through a more practical approach. There are lots of students 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.

The 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.”

Rt Hon Ed Balls MP
Shadow Chancellor and former Secretary of State for Education

“I am a strong supporter of Studio Schools. By rooting learning in the real world Studio Schools will make a real difference to the lives of young people across the country. They reflect a vital need to equip young people not only with key qualifications but also with the broad range of employability and life skills they require to succeed.”

Rt Hon Andy Burnham MP
Former Shadow Secretary of State for Education 

“The British Chamber of Commerce believes that stronger links between schools and employers are crucial for the future of businesses up and down the country. Studio Schools will do just that, involving local and national business in all aspects of this innovative curriculum model.”

David Frost CBE
Former Director General, British Chamber of Commerce

“Studio Schools will make a real difference to businesses across the country. They will ensure young people develop the key employability skills they need to succeed in work.”

James Fothergill
Head of Education and Skills, CBI 

“The Federation of small businesses are excited about Studio Schools. Through real work and a focus on employability skills, they will equip young people with the skills that small businesses need.”

Colin Willman
Chairman of Education Policy, Federation of Small Businesses

“The Institute of Directors has long argued that improving employability must be central to the education system. Through real work and an emphasis on key employability skills, Studio Schools will help to improve the work-readiness of young people and widen understanding of enterprise and business.”

Mike Harris
Head of Education and Skills, Institute of Directors 

“There are many paths to success and Studio Schools will offer a new route for young people who are looking for a more practical approach to learning. Studio Schools will provide an invaluable 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 we look forward to seeing many more Studio Schools open in the future.”

Andy Powell
Former Chief Executive of Edge Foundation

“Studio Schools are at the forefront of innovation in British education. They will offer a bold new approach to learning better suited the needs of the significant number of young people in the country who are more practical learners. We hope that these first six schools will only be the start, marking the beginning of a much larger Studio Schools movement.”

Simon Tucker
Chief Executive of the Young Foundation (and former Chair of the Studio Schools Trust)

“Studio Schools will break new ground in the British education system, offering a more practical approach to learning that will transform communities and make a real difference to the lives of young people across the country. I am delighted that the first wave of Studio Schools are set to open in the coming years. This is the culmination of a great deal of important work by the Young Foundation, Edge and many others.”

Geoff Mulgan
Chief Executive of NESTA (and Former Director of the Young Foundation)