Welcome

Meet the HEAD OF SCHOOL

awaiting content.

Julie Green
Head of School
Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio

About studio schools

eMPLOYABILITY AND ENTERPRISE SKILLS

students develop key employability and life skills through the create skills framework.

key qualifications

All students work towards qualifications at Levels 2 and 3 which have currency in the working world.

personalised curriculum

Students meet frequently with their "personal coach" to tailor to their individual needs and aspirations.

practical learning

Students' learning is delivered principally through multi-disciplinary enterprise themed projects in the school, local businesses and the community.

real work

Students spend a significant portion of their weekly time in work, with students aged over 16 earning a wage.

small schools

Students learn in a small, supportive and personalised learning environment of around 250 students.

Studio School Myths

“The Studio looks like a museum, it can't be a school"

We are a school and college! We have a truly unique building with a great history. We do not look, feel or even smell like a school, all by design.

"The Studio is part of DACA"

The Studio is a completely different school to DACA. We are part of the same 'family' of schools and form part of a multi academy trust. We do work closely with DACA and are developing great opportunities for post 16 students to be part of a cross campus provision between the Studio and DACA

"The Studio only teaches post 16"

Incorrect. The Studio accepts students from the age of 13. You can join the Studio in Year 9, 10 and 12 as long as there is space in the year group.

"The Studio is a school for naughty students"

Incorrect. We are not a Pupil Referral Unit or alternative provision. We are a mainstream school and insist that students conduct themselves professionally at all times. As we are a small school (250 students) poor behaviour stands out and we do not tolerate disruptions to learning.

"You have to pay to study at the Studio"

Incorrect. There is no charge to study at the Studio, we are funded as a 'state school.'

"The Studio doesn't teach English, Maths and Science"

Incorrect. We insist that all our KS4 students study core GCSEs in English Language, English Literature, Maths and combined sciences (double GCSE). Students then pick 3 additional options linked to our specialist pathways.

"You can't join the 6th form if you did not complete KS4 at the Studio"

Incorrect. Students join us at KS5 from a range of schools. We understand that most schools do not offer our specialisms, therefore we provide inductions skill sessions at the start of the year.

"Students at the Studio do not study approved qualifications"

Incorrect, every course at KS4 and KS5 features on the DfE approved qualifications list.

"The Studio doesn't have a positive score on league tables, therefore must be a poor standard of education"

As the Studio doesn't offer GCSEs in Humanities or Languages, students complete extra GCSEs in our specialist areas. Whilst all 8 GCSEs count for the student, only 7 count for the Studio on league tables; resulting in a deficit applied to our results when compared to other schools.

"Students are sent to the Studio if they misbehave at other schools"

Incorrect. Schools cannot refer students to the Studio and the Studio would not accept students who should be referred to alternative provision. Every student who applies to the Studio is interviewed by either the Principal or Vice Principal. This ensures that students who join the Studio are doing so for the specialisms.

"Don't bother applying to the Studio as the Studio is full"

Incorrect. We do fill up swiftly and by spring term we are usually full with a waiting list but it is always worth giving us a call to see if we can accommodate.

Our building

Ground floor

Three adjacent learning spaces with moveable walls which can be opened up for exhibitions of project work. This space can also be used for examinations.
Large office / communal staff workroom.
Cafe area seating 75 (the size of one year group)
Two learning studios
Small meeting rooms

First Floor

Microsoft studio
Apple studio
ICT studio
Graphic Art studio
Photographic and Television studios
Flexible learning spaces
Two break-out spaces at the top of stairs

Second floor

Two science laboratories
Six learning studios of varying sizes
Three break-out spaces

Online Learning & Remote Education

If you have been asked to access microsoft teams, you can do so by following this link and then use the same login details you would as if you were logging into a computer at school. if you are unsure of your login details, please contact us
If your teachers have asked you to use century, you can do so by following this link
If you have been asked to use Times tables rockstars, you can do so by clicking this link (ks4 only)
For access to accelerated reading, click here.
If you would like to read our policy regarding remote education, please click here.