THE worlds of top-level competitive sport and high-class performing arts have not always sat comfortably alongside academic study.

For generations talented youngsters have been forced to choose between following their dreams or a solid education.

Those who chose to compete in international competition or take to the stage in top productions have traditionally done so at the expense of an all-round education.

But that way of thinking has come to an abrupt halt at one Bournemouth school.

The Studio School is part of the north Bournemouth Learning and Achievement Federation and is on the same site as the Oak Academy in Duck Lane, Kinson.

The new academy officially opened its doors in September and is currently using accommodation at Oak, formerly Oakmead College of Technology, while state-of-the-art new buildings are under construction.

It is open to 14-19-year-olds and there are currently 280 young people on site, all enrolled in the school’s Elite Athlete Academy.

When the new buildings open in September this year, it is hoped numbers will rise to 500, split between elite athletes and a brand new stage school, LeAF Stage and Screen.

Anyone wishing to enrol as an athlete must be high performers competing at regional level at least. Disciplines covered so far include cycling, triathlon, golf, football, volleyball, BMX riding and kick-boxing.

For the stage school, applicants will be expected to be involved in performance already, such as dance, drama or singing, and auditions will be held.

Dr Annetta Minard is the Executive Principal of the campus, which includes two nurseries, a primary school, a secondary school and the Studio School.

She said: “Things are done differently at the Studio School because everyone has personalised timetables.

“The main season is different in different sports so if someone is travelling and competing in the summer they will be expected to work harder on the academic side in the winter.

“Similarly, if they are in productions at certain times they will have to work around them.

“The school is open until 9pm every day and students do not get the same school holidays as each other or students from other schools. They have to apply for holiday like they would if they were working.”

Dr Minard said the school takes into account that not all will become professional sports stars or performers. “They also learn how to be coaches, referees or how to work backstage in theatre of make-up – it’s all about employability.”

The Studio School is one of 12 nationwide and the only one in the south of England. It has already attracted students from as far away as London and accommodation is available for those who live out of the area.

Dr Minard added: “The whole aim is to give them the chance to achieve academically and in sport or on the stage.”

She said an open day will be held on Wednesday February 20 and anyone interested in attending should call 01202 774640 or email StudioSchool @leaf.bournemouth.sch.uk

Factfile

  • Studio School, part of the LeAF (Learning and Achievement Federation) campus, Duck Lane, Kinson, Bournemouth BH11 9JJ
  • Telephone:  01202 774640
  • Age range: 14-19
  • Executive Principal:  Dr Annetta Minard
  • Number of pupils: 280