Application Process FAQ
When can I submit my application to the Department for Education for consideration?
The Department has released the details of the application process for setting up a Studio School in September 2013 so that groups have sufficient time to work on their proposals before the application deadline. The deadline for applications for the 2013 wave of Studio Schools is 24 February 2012. Only applications submitted to the Department by 24 February will be considered.
Can I apply to set up more than one Studio School?
Yes. If there is sufficient evidence of demand from employers, parents and young people to set up more than one Studio School and the proposers can demonstrate that they have sufficient capacity to deliver.
Applicants wanting to open more than one school will need to submit separate applications for each school they want to open, and each proposal will be assessed on its own merits.
Can I submit additional information once my application has been submitted?
No, although you should continue to develop your plans. Applicants that are called for an interview will be given the opportunity to provide additional information, but you should not submit it unless specifically requested by the Department for Education.
How will my application be assessed?
Each application will be considered both on its individual merits and in comparison to other applications that have been submitted. They will be assessed against the criteria in the application guidance and a range of other contextual factors as outlined in the guidance.
Shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview to discuss aspects of their proposal. Interview panels will consist of Department for Education officials, education advisers and financial and premises experts. Being invited to interview does not guarantee that an application will ultimately be successful.
When will I hear if my application is successful?
We will let applicants know the outcome of their application by the end of July 2012.
When will we know whether we are being called to an interview? When will they take place?
We will endeavour to let groups know whether they will be called for an interview as soon as possible. We will confirm the likely timetable for interviews when we acknowledge applications in February.
Who can apply to open a Studio School?
Applications are invited from groups where they have identified evidence of demand from parents, young people and employers. Applicants could include teachers, charities, community groups, employers and other existing educational providers – such as an Academy Trust, Further Education College or training provider.
Will my application be published?
It is not the Department's intention to publish applications: we will publish the funding agreement which the Secretary of State enters into with successful applicants. However we may publish some information contained within the applications under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act (2000) if requested. Personal information would be redacted.
Can schools convert to Studio Schools?
No, Studio Schools will be brand new provision and are free standing institutions for 14 to 19 year olds. Studio Schools are not suitable as a replacement for mainstream provision, due to their small size (around 300 pupils) and other characteristics such as their focus on project-based learning and enterprise, a personal coach and work opportunities for every student.
How do I calculate what my school’s income would be?
There is currently a review of how all state schools are funded; therefore precise funding detail for 2013/14 is not yet available. When completing the financial section of your application, you should refer to Section G of the How to Apply guidance.
Do I need to secure premises before I apply?
No, but it would strengthen your application if you have identified at least one potentially feasible site for your school for us to consider. If you have identified a site, it would be helpful if you included details of ownership of the site, its availability, its size and any work that may be required to make the site fit for purpose as a school in your application.
You are not required to enter into any negotiations for sites and should not do so if you expect the Government to fund the acquisition of your site.
What support is available to help my group find a site for our school?
Information on the Partnerships for Schools (PfS) website will be a helpful tool which will help you in your search. PfS may also be able to help you look for sites.
When looking for potential sites we would encourage you to consider surplus or under-utilised government and other public buildings. A wide range of public buildings could provide suitable accommodation for a Studio School, and we have carried out detailed assessments, of several of these sites. Information on these sites can be found via our website.
The process requires us to set up a company limited by guarantee before submitting an application. Must we do this?
Yes. In order to judge the capacity and capability of the applicants as part of the assessment process we need to be clear that applicants have duly considered who should be involved in the establishment and running of the school. If you already have an Academy Trust, you can apply using your existing company number.
Applicants should set up a company limited by guarantee using the model Memorandum and Articles of Association which can be found on our website. Whilst these are legal documents, and you should take care to ensure that you understand your obligations under them, they are relatively straightforward to complete. Once you have done this, you can register your company limited by guarantee online here.
Does my local authority need to approve my application?
No. However, you may find it helpful to discuss your application with your local authority, as they have an important strategic role as champions of all parents in their area and of educational excellence. They can provide an important resource of skill and experience to help facilitate groups wanting to set up a Studio School.
The Department will talk to them about your application, so we fully understand the local context and circumstances, and the Secretary of State will consider this information when taking a final decision on whether to enter into a funding agreement with the group setting up the Studio School.
Do I need to show there is a shortage of school places in my area in order to submit an application?
No. What you do need to show is demand from parents, young people and employers and the local community for a Studio School which would offer a learning experience rooted in project based learning, and a focus on employability skills – not just a new school.