Head of Learning Support/SENCo

Studio West - A small school making a big difference

Studio West is an exciting studio school, which opened in September 2014.  As part of Kenton School’s Academy Trust, Studio West cater for around 400 students aged between 11 and 19 with student numbers increasing year on year.  We are expected to reach 650 at full capacity.

Rated “Good” by Ofsted, Studio West offers a vibrant learning experience combining GCSEs, A Levels and occupational qualifications. We believe in inspiring our students to be 'the best they can be' so that they reach their potential academically and also develop the social skills and personal qualities, which are so vital for their future life and career.

All students benefit from an innovative and bespoke curriculum with substantial emphasis on developing key employability and life skills that will see them through to HE, FE and employment. Much of our curriculum is delivered through Project Based Learning where ‘learning connects’ in a very real sense. We have close working relationships with our business partners and our mission is to make sure that every student who leaves Studio West, does so with a university place, an apprenticeship or employment.

A unique aspect of Studio Schools is the national CREATE skills framework developed by the Studio Schools Trust. This framework has been designed to give young people the key skills to flourish in life and in the world of work. As students progress through the three levels of the CREATE framework, they are regularly assessed by Personal and Learning Coaches to ensure they are on track and making progress. There are three levels in the CREATE framework, as students progress from apprentice, to expert, to coach.

We believe immersing students in real-life, hands-on projects, is an extremely efficient and engaging way of learning ensuring students not only pick up core skills, such as Maths, English and Science, but also learn and practice the softer, but equally important, skills employers are looking for – such as independent thought, responsibility, team work and communication skills. By working in this way and collaborating with real companies, we have created an environment which nurtures well-rounded, mature and confident individuals, who leave us fully ready for the workplace.

Studio West offers a dynamic approach to learning, preparing young people with the skills, knowledge and experience they need to succeed in life. Education is taken out of the classroom, with students learning in the real world through working in teams on projects designed to reflect real-life situations. Through weekly work placements, they develop the employability skills needed to succeed in life and work.