A former bank building is the hot favourite to be converted into a new International Studio school in Chester city centre.
Knights Court in Weaver Street, which used to be occupied by Lloyds Banking Group, is understood to be the favoured location for the new type of free school.
Lloyds, whose leasehold interest is offered, has not commented. Neither has the Department for Education.
Tony Lamberton, headteacher behind the proposed Christleton International Studio, has confirmed an offer has been made on city centre premises but isn’t allowed to say any more at this stage.
Mr Lamberton, head of Christleton High School, the sponsor school, said due to procurement rules he can’t discuss the potential site for the new studio which will open in September 2016 for 14-19-year-olds.
However, he did say: “The city centre came out as the preferred location from our Cheshire wide survey of students and parents. It will enable all students to easily access the studio and link to local employers. The challenge has then been to find the very best site at good value for public money.”
Information evening
Prospective parents attended a launch event for the project back in September. And this Thursday (November 12), a follow-up information evening is taking place at Chester’s Crowne Plaza hotel.
A new type of free school for 320 students, the studio will be for all abilities and aims to ‘better prepare young people for the working world’ with close working relationships with local employers.
The school has shared the slide presentation for this week’s event which promises an update on progress and makes clear the studio will not be a school in the conventional sense.
It reads: “It will be located in Chester city centre. Students of all abilities are welcome. The day (and therefore week) will be longer, 9-5pm. Students will use project-based learning which will be part of their work experience. Smart professional dress to be worn. Excellent time-keeping and attendance is vital.”
The presentation says that to succeed, pupils must have ‘a good work ethic’, must be ‘ready to take charge’ of their own education, must ‘like challenge’ and the ‘excitement of the unknown’. At 18, students are promised one of three options: a ‘great job’, a university place – possibly sponsored or a paid internship with professional training.
What do you think about the possible location? Let us know in the comments below
