Catherine McKinnell, MP for Newcastle North, has seen one of the North East’s first Studio Schools in action during a recent visit to Studio West.

Opened in September 2014, Studio West is located in West Denton in Catherine’s constituency but is open to young people from across Tyneside and beyond.

Studio Schools are a new concept in education, which seek to address the growing gap between the skills and knowledge that young people require to succeed, and those that the current education system provides.

Under the leadership of its Principal Val Wigham, Studio West pioneers a bold new approach to learning which includes teaching through enterprise projects and real work. By ensuring students’ learning is grounded in the real world, this approach helps them to develop the life skills they need to reach the top of their chosen field.

Designed for 13-19 year olds of all abilities, Studio West feels more like a workplace than a school and offers a range of academic and vocational qualifications including GCSEs in English, Maths and Science, as well as paid work placements which are linked directly to employment opportunities. Students gain a broad range of employability and life skills, and have the option to go on to university, further training, and into employment.

Catherine commented;

‘Studio West provides such a beautiful and engaging learning environment for its students, thanks to the hard work, enthusiasm and dedication of Val Wigham and her staff.

‘It was fascinating to hear about the way in which the school works so closely with local industry to give its students a genuine insight into the world of work, and ensure they have the skills they’ll need to succeed.

‘The pupils I saw were so engrossed in their English lessons, it made me want to go back to school!’

A number of the region’s top employers are on board providing unique opportunities to students and importantly making them more employable in their future.

In April 2014, Bob Paton, Managing Director at Accenture’s North East Delivery Centre, became chair of governors. Accenture have in turn provided a great opportunity for a number of Studio West’s post-16 students. Having completed a thorough recruitment process, involving writing their CVs, completing an application form and then taking part in an assessment day, they were given paid roles within Accenture. There they are currently being trained on computer programming skills and assisting staff as trainee staff members.

Once they complete their studies at Studio West they will have a guaranteed interview for apprenticeship roles.

Studio West Principal, Val Wigham added:

‘I am very proud of the unique opportunities that Studio West is offering the young people of our region. Our Post 16 students gain invaluable experience during their paid two day work placement each week with one of our business partners. Students select their work placement to complement their academic studies; this provides unrivalled knowledge and skills, connecting the real world of work, to their chosen sector area.’

A Year 10 student also commented:

‘Studio West is a fantastic place to learn. I am on the School Council and have a real say in how the school is run. You are treated like young adults here. I have just completed my first week’s placement at Virgin Money. I have five more weeks to complete this year. I am so much more confident now because of Studio West.’

Please telephone Studio West on 0191 481 3710 if you would like more information about the school or would like to enroll.