The new schools White Paper The Importance of Teaching has highlighted Studio Schools, stating that "new Studio Schools will also drive innovation in vocational education as Free Schools."

Studio schools were developed and piloted by the Young Foundation, with support from Edge, and are now being taken forward by the Studio Schools Trust. They are the first of their kind in the world and will cater for 14-19 year olds from a range of abilities. They have been designed to better suit the needs of young people who might not otherwise reach their full potential in traditional school environments.

Studio Schools had its official launch on the 18 November with a keynote speech from the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Education Lord Hill of Oareford.

The first Studio Schools, which will offer an innovative new curriculum involving practical learning and paid work, have opened this September in Kirklees and Luton with more to follow in the year ahead.

The Secretary of State for Education Rt Hon Michael Gove has already welcomed Studio Schools as "a bold new approach to education involving practical learning and paid work, that will help young people develop the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to succeeed ... 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".

For further information visit the Studio Schools Trust website at www.studioschoolstrust.org

Access the schools White Paper "The Importance of Teaching".

Read the full text of Lord Hill's speech at the launch event.

Read our briefing paper on education and learning work at the Young Foundation.