Manchester Creative Studio, which will specialise in the creative industries, will be the first in Greater Manchester and will open in September 2014.
The new school will welcome a total of 300 students aged between 14 and 19 years old, and will offer mainstream qualifications (including GCSEs, A Levels, and vocational and professional qualifications) linked to the world of work.
It will also focus on developing the key employability and life skills required by employers, and students will spend time each week in unpaid and paid work placements linked directly to employment opportunities in the local area.
Backed by over 50 employers and partners, including Manchester Metropolitan University, Code Computerlove and BDP, Manchester Creative Studio will specialise in preparing young people to work in the creative and digital sectors.
To find out more about Manchester Creative Studio you can visit www.mcstudio.co.uk or follow @Mcr_Studio on Twitter.
Move welcomed
Schools Minister Lord Nash said: “I am delighted to be approving such a strong field of Studio Schools to the next stage. More employers are getting involved in Studio Schools, demonstrating their commitment to preparing young people – who will be their future employees – to the world of work.
“It is crucial for young people to have the skills and experience vital to employers, both for their own prosperity and to help us compete in the global race.”
Raja Miah, Director of Manchester Creative Studio said: “Manchester Creative Studio is a unique and innovative approach to learning which will meet the needs of young people across Greater Manchester and support the local economy.
Our research showed that the creative industries are growing in region, but that many employers found young people were leaving education without the skills they needed to enter the workplace.
Our vision has been driven by these employers and focuses on delivering academic excellence and high-quality skills that lead to the growth of the sector and future jobs.”
Councillor Afzal Khan, Executive Member for Children’s Services at Manchester City Council said: “The creative industries are of vital importance to Manchester as we develop pathways for our future generations to lead the way.
One of the key features of this Studio School is helping prepare our young people for the world of world alongside offering an aspirational educational pathway.
Manchester Creative Studio fits both of these aims and is a welcome addition to the educational offer and the Manchester Family of Schools.”
Tony Foggett, CEO of Code Computerlove and Chair of Manchester Digital trade association said: “I’m thrilled that Manchester Creative Studio has been given the go ahead to open. Last year our business grew by 35% and we took on over 20 new people. Our current biggest challenge is finding enough talent to do the work that we are winning.
We desperately need some new thinking to support and supply talent in the region, and schools such as Manchester Creative Studio are vital if Manchester is to realise its ambitions as a creative and digital city of excellence.”
David Nicoll, Chief Executive of the Studio Schools Trust, commented: ’’We are delighted that Manchester Creative Studio has been approved to open, which will be part of a network of 44 Studio Schools across England.
Studio Schools are playing a vital role in equipping young people with the skills and experience that they need to succeed in a competitive jobs market, through combining qualifications with real experience of the world of work. Employers are keen to help prepare young people for the workplace, and Studio Schools allow them to get involved in all aspects of school life – from designing the curriculum and delivering masterclasses, to providing paid work placements and mentoring students.
Manchester Creative Studio will play an important role in shaping the future workforce across the region, and providing new opportunities for young people as well as improving their employment prospects and life chances.’’
For more information visit www.mcstudio.co.uk or follow @Mcr_Studio on Twitter.
