BARNFIELD Studio School has become the first school of its kind in the country to gain an ‘outstanding’ Ofsted rating.
Despite being the first studio school to open in the world in September last year, the New Bedford Road Enterprise has already gained top marks from inspectors.
The inspectors report focused on the “significant” and “remarkable improvement in students’ personal development” and remarked on how the Studio School had “made outstanding progress towards raising standards”
The report also praised the school’s development through its strong leadership, the quality of its teaching, small classes and the ambitious attendance targets set for students as well as the vigorous monitoring of students’ participation.
Pete Birkett, Chief Executive of the Barnfield Federation said: “We are delighted with the results of the Ofsted inspection. This is another historic moment for Barnfield”
“We established Barnfield Studio School because so many young people are suited to a more practical based method of learning and we wanted to address that need. “This Ofsted grade reflects the success of the school since opening and the students, teachers, leaders and parents should be applauded for all the hard work they have put into creating this superb outcome.”
Students aged 14-16 study the core GCSEs, NVQs, and BTECs in subjects such as business, plumbing, engineering, beauty therapy or catering, alongside enterprise projects focusing on people skills, communication, global dimensions and sustainability. On completion of their course the young entrepreneurs are ready for a variety of options including progression to higher education and employment.
Post 16 students at the School take a Level 2 or Level 3 BTEC in Business, as well as developing the skills necessary for setting up and running their own business. .
To prepare students for the working world, they spend part of each week employed at a local business or at the Barnfield Retail Quarter. Students are equipped with their own net book computer which enables them to work remotely, are assigned a personal coach to help them identify and meet targets and receive additional support from business mentors working in all areas of industry.
A new ultra modern Barnfield Studio School building catering for 300 full-time students is due to be built in September 2012 using £5.3 million of government funding.