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Working closely with local employers Studio Schools will offer a range of academic and vocational qualifications including GCSEs in English, Maths and Science, as well as paid work placements linked directly to employment opportunities in the local area. Major employers such as GlaxoSmithKline, Balfour Beatty, BBC and Sony are working with Studio Schools across the country. Students will gain a broad range of employability and life skills through the CREATE skills framework, and will have the option to go on to university, further training, and into employment.

Studio Schools have been developed by the Studio Schools Trust, in partnership with the Department for Education, the Young Foundation, Edge and local and national employers. Six Studio Schools have already opened around the UK in Kirklees (2010), Luton (2010), Durham (2011), Manchester (2011), Coalville, Leicestershire (2011) and Maidstone (2011).

Schools Minister Lord Hill said:

"Employers are at the heart of towns and cities across the country. But for years, their concerns about the education system have been neglected. They are clear that many young people simply don't have the vital skills they need to succeed in the workplace.

"Studio Schools will play an important role in putting this right. Along with teaching a rigorous academic curriculum - in a practical way - they will use new approaches to make sure young people understand business basics, like punctuality and the ability to communicate with a wide range of people."

David Frost CBE, Chair of the Studio Schools Trust and former Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce, commented:

'I am delighted that the government has approved another 12 Studio Schools, and that interest is continuing to grow as we increase our network of Studio Schools across the UK.''

"Studio Schools will play a vital role in equipping young people with the skills and experience that they need to succeed in a competitive jobs market, through combining mainstream qualifications with real experience of the world of work. Many employers are keen to help develop and shape their workforce for the future, and Studio Schools will allow them to be involved at every step of the way, from helping to design the school curriculum to providing paid work placements for students. Students are able to develop the skills and knowledge that employers are looking for.''

''I look to working with the 12 new Studio Schools as they prepare to open in September next year.'' 

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Notes to editors