Balls approves first paid work studio schools

The two schools, which will take around 300 14- to 19-year-olds, will focus on business and enterprise. Students will study the national curriculum and gain qualifications through enterprise-themed practical learning. They will spend a significant portion of their weekly time participating in paid work experience.

Balls said: "There are lots of students who will learn better through developing their natural interest in business or practical skills rather than spending most of their time sitting in a traditional classroom. These first two schools will also provide a model for other studio schools to develop across the country."

The schools, based at Barnfield College in Luton and the Netherhall Learning Campus in Kirklees, have been designed through the Studio Schools Trust by Edge and the Young Foundation. They will open in September next year.

Further studio schools are planned for Blackpool, Newham, Oldham and South Tyneside.