Frequently asked questions on the application process, funding, sites, support and what the requirements of the process are.

 
 When can I submit my application to the Department for consideration?

The deadline to submit an application to open a Studio School in 2013 and beyond closed on 24 February 2012.
 

Back to top
 Can I submit additional information once my application has been submitted?

No, although you should continue to develop your plans. Applicants that are called for an interview will be given the opportunity to provide additional information, but you should not submit it unless specifically requested by the Department for Education.
 

Back to top
 How will my application be assessed?

Each application will be considered both on its individual merits and in comparison to other applications that have been submitted. They will be assessed against the criteria in the application guidance and a range of other contextual factors as outlined in the guidance.

Shortlisted applicants will be called for an interview to discuss aspects of their proposal. Interview panels will consist of Department for Education officials, education advisers and financial and premises experts. Being invited to interview does not guarantee that an application will ultimately be successful.
 

Back to top
 Should I contact the Department for Education to find out how my proposal is progressing?

No. Applicants will be contacted if there is any news about their application. You should only contact the Department if you submit a proposal by 24 February 2012, and do not receive an acknowledgement of receipt soon afterwards.
 

Back to top
 When will I hear if my application is successful?

We will let applicants know the outcome of their application by the end of July 2012.
 

Back to top
 When will we know whether we are being called to an interview? When will they take place?

We will endeavour to let groups know whether they will be called for an interview as soon as possible. We will confirm the likely timetable for interviews when we acknowledge applications in February.
 

Back to top
 Who can apply to open a Studio School?

Applications are invited from groups where they have identified evidence of demand from parents, young people and employers. Applicants could include teachers, charities, community groups, employers and other existing educational providers – such as an Academy Trust, Further Education College or training provider.  We welcome proposals from all interested parties; however the capability and capacity of sponsors will be key criteria in the assessment of applications.
 

Back to top
 Why are you changing the criteria?

Our application process this year is broadly the same. That said, it is right that we learn from experience and we have refined our process this year. It is, therefore, important that you read this year’s guidance and criteria thoroughly, even if you have submitted an application in previous years.
 

Back to top
 Will my application be published?

It is not the Department's intention to publish applications: we will publish the funding agreement which the Secretary of State enters into with successful applicants. However we may publish some information contained within the applications under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act (2000) if requested. Personal information would be redacted.
 

Back to top
 Can schools convert to Studio Schools?

No, Studio Schools will be brand new provision and are free standing institutions for 14- to 19-year-olds. Studio Schools are not suitable as a replacement for mainstream provision, due to their small size (around 300 pupils) and other characteristics such as their focus on project-based learning and enterprise, a personal coach and work opportunities for every student.

Back to top
 How much capital funding should I expect to receive for Studio School premises?

There is no fixed capital allocation for each Studio School project.   Ministers will of course take into account the estimated or potential cost of each application when deciding which ones to approve.  We will therefore be looking for projects that not only offer value for money but that are also low cost.

 

Back to top
 Do I need to secure premises before I apply?

No, but it would strengthen your application if you have identified at least one potentially feasible site for your school for us to consider. If you have identified a site, it would be helpful if you included details of ownership of the site, its availability, its size and any work that may be required to make the site fit for purpose as a school in your application.

You are not required to enter into any negotiations for sites and should not do so if you expect the Government to fund the acquisition of your site.

Back to top
 What support is available to help my group find a site for our school?

The Education and Funding Agency may be able to help you look for sites. You can contact them by email FreeSchools.EFAcapital@education.gsi.gov.uk

When looking for potential sites, we encourage you to consider surplus or under-utilised government and other public buildings. A wide range of public buildings could provide suitable accommodation for a Studio School, and we have carried out detailed assessments of several of these sites. Information on these sites can be found on our website. 

Back to top
 What will you do when you receive a Studio School application for the same area/building that you already have a Free School proposal for?

We will use initial proposals to identify where there are potential overlaps between applications.  Each application will be assessed on its merits, with the final decision taking into account all contextual information, including other proposals for the same area.
 

Back to top
 Can I get support to develop an application?

Not financial support, no. Our experience this year shows that the strongest groups have the capacity to prepare strong applications by themselves. However advice and guidance is available from the Studio Schools Trust (www.studioschoolstrust.org).
 

Back to top
 The process requires us to set up a company limited by guarantee before submitting an application. Must we do this?

Yes. In order to judge the capacity and capability of the applicants as part of the assessment process we need to be clear that applicants have duly considered who should be involved in the establishment and running of the school. If you already have an Academy Trust, you can apply using your existing company number.

Applicants should set up a company limited by guarantee using the model Memorandum and Articles of Association which can be found on our website. Whilst these are legal documents, and you should take care to ensure that you understand your obligations under them, they are relatively straightforward to complete. Once you have done this, you can register your company limited by guarantee online here: www.companieshouse.gov.uk/infoAndGuide/companyRegistration.shtml

 

Back to top
 Will there be financial support or advice from the Department to help us set up the company?

No. Any group that is able to successfully establish and manage a school will not find it difficult to set up a company limited by guarantee. The Department will not be offering support to groups to do this.
 

Back to top
 Does my local authority need to approve my application?

No. However, you may find it helpful to discuss your application with your local authority, as they have an important strategic role as champions of all parents in their area and of educational excellence. They can provide an important resource of skill and experience to help facilitate groups wanting to set up a Studio School. 

The Department will talk to them about your application, so we fully understand the local context and circumstances, and the Secretary of State will consider this information when taking a final decision on whether to enter into a funding agreement with the group setting up the Studio School.

 

Back to top
 Do I need to show there is a shortage of school places in my area in order to submit an application?

No. What you do need to show is demand from parents, young people and employers and the local community for a Studio School which would offer a learning experience rooted in project based learning, and a focus on employability skills – not just a new school.
 
 

Back to top