Head announced for Rye’sexciting new Studio School

Jo is currently assistant principal at Rye College.

Rye College Principal An n Cockerham said: ““I am delighted that Jo Townshend will be leading The Rye Studio School and excited by the opportunities that the Studio School will bring for both the young people of Rye and for our community”.

Jo Townshend is known within the community for her partnership work with local schools, colleges and businesses as well as for her work in the arts world in and around Rye.

Jo Townshend said: “The Rye Studio School will offer an exciting curriculum that will engage and inspire young people. It is a contemporary model of education, new to many but it responds to the needs of the industry.

“It will support the employment of young people in these challenging times and will offer further regeneration to our town”.

The Rye Studio School will ensure all students in Rye and the surrounding village have access to excellent post 16 education locally for the first time in over a decade.

The new school, which opens its doors in September next year has the backing of Rye MP Amber Rudd, who said: ““I’m delighted to support Rye Studio School, it is going to offer a fantastic new opportunity for young people in our area; bring it on!”

Studio schools are a new concept which allow students to work within specialist industries to gain vital skills and experience as well as gaining academic achievements.

The Rye Studio School will offer 14 - 19 year olds unique opportunities for learning, combining study for traditional examinations with experience of the world of work.

One of only 30 Studio Schools in the country, the Rye Studio School will prepare young people for work within the creative industries.

Students will be able to gain hands-on experience at sound and lighting engineering, music technology, visual arts, film making, web design and broadcasting.

Students will be able to transfer to the Studio School in Year 10 and will study maths, English, science and information communications technology.

At the age of 16 they will be able to enter a job or apprenticeship or continue their studies at the Studio School.

The school will take in students from all over East Sussex and Kent.

Find out more about The Rye Studio School by visiting the website www.ryestudioschool.co.uk.