Cheshire Studio School

Cheshire Studio School opened in September 2014 and offers a contemporary secondary education to students in Years 10 to 13 and is based on the main Knutsford Academy site. 

Our expectations are high. We insist on exemplary conduct and encourage all students to do their best in all that they do and to play a full part in the many extra-curricular activities that we offer. We have extraordinary students here and a talented group of staff, who work hard together to deliver our vision of academic excellence, a strong community and world-class opportunities. We have an enviable track record in preparing our young people for higher education, apprenticeships and the world of work.

A Different Choice of Options

Cheshire Studio School takes a different approach to the Academy with a focus on core academic achievement combined with more vocational qualifications and employability skills which prepare students for the working world.

At Key Stage 4, this dual focus is reflected in the GCSE core subject curriculum including Maths, English Language and Literature and Double Science, which is delivered jointly with Knutsford Academy, a range of vocational level 2 options which are predominantly BTEC Level 2 qualifications, which include Construction or Hospitality & Catering, and Health & Social Care and a work experience placement. 

At Key Stage 5, students can combine two or more BTEC or level 3 courses centred around subjects in the areas of Business and Enterprise, Creative Industries and Sport and Wellbeing, with A Levels and a work experience placement. The curriculum offers subject progression between from Key Stage 4 into Key Stage 5. Cheshire Studio School also provides the opportunity to retake Maths and English GCSE if needed.

Cheshire Studio School is also the home of our successful Football Academy which combines elite football coaching and competitive fixtures with a BTEC Level 3 Sport programme, one other choice of A Level or BTEC and access to the Soccer Scholars USA initiative. The football team are current Cheshire Cup and League Champions.

Knutsford Academy and Cheshire Studio School are part of The Learning Partnership.

The Learning Partnership is a new multi-academy trust that was formed on 1st September 2023 as a merger between The Learning Alliance and The Learning for Life Partnership. The trust consists of fourteen schools, eight of which are primary schools and six are secondary schools, all based across East Cheshire and North Staffordshire.

Our School Vision:

Academic Excellence - We provide a supportive and challenging environment to ensure our students achieve academic excellence at Knutsford Academy.

Strong Community - We draw on the strength of our community within Knutsford Academy and work with our local community around Knutsford.

World Class Opportunities - We aim to prepare our students for life beyond school by providing world class opportunities.

Our School Values - ARC:

Ambition - We have high expectations of ourselves and work hard to achieve them. 

Respect - We respect ourselves, our environment and other people.

Kindness - We look after ourselves and others and celebrate our differences, because they are what make us unique.

The Cheshire Studio School and Knutsford Academy Team

Knutsford Academy is led by Headteacher Karen Key, who oversees the strategy and running of the school. There are currently over 60 teachers at the school and a support team who all work collectively to deliver the very best for our students.

Professional Development

We provide a range of training programmes through our own teacher training school, including a PGCE run in partnership with Liverpool John Moores University, together with a personal development programme for those looking to progress to the next step, offering the NPQML and NPQSL, run in partnership with the Star Institute.