What is the Open School?
The Open School offers a radical re-conceptualisation of what it means ‘to go to school’ for secondary aged learners. The Open School offers an extension to current provision, designed to respond to changing perceptions of learning and a world with increased flexibility, connectivity and choice. Or, for some, it may be an alternative model, enabling young people, families and schools, to access opportunities which have been previously inaccessible, and to open up avenues of interest, learning, employment, service and qualification. The Open School puts young people, with support, in control of their own education and provides a more contemporary, and relevant offer for all.
What happens?
When young people are welcomed into The Open School their interests and aspirations become a launchpad for personalised, connected, planned and supported pathways, supported by a familiar mentor, a dashboard of insights, and a progression route linked to existing provision - both locally and further afield. Some of those opportunities would be connections to courses with resultant qualification but others would be modules of recreation, work experience, projects or interest groups. Young people would be recognised and accredited for their development - bringing evidence of achievement and success to pathways and people who have previously been excluded or overlooked.
Who provides
Open School?
The Open School works in tandem with the young person’ to signpost and connect people to possibility. It does not seek to duplicate existing provision. Young people will enrol in opportunities which are led by existing providers, schools and networks across the country and will learn from teachers and mentors who have specialist expertise to offer. Freed from the shackles of location, young people will benefit from meaningful connections with other schools, universities, employers, voluntary organisations and the wider societal ecosystem.
Together, let’s make The Open School a reality for every young person.
Get Involved
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If you are a School or Group:
initial design phases are available to schools or groups of schools who are committed to offering new and innovative ways to better meet the changing needs of young people, in conjunction with local authorities and partners. The cost to be part of this initial design phase of The Open School will be around £20,000 for a small group of schools, or £12,000 per individual school.
Would you like to help pathfind The Open School?
If you are able to offer philanthropic support:
we are actively seeking seed-funding to accelerate the work currently underway, towards a financially sustainable operating model.
Would you like to boost the life chances of young people?
If you are able to offer specific delivery expertise:
we are actively seeking partnerships with individuals and leaders representing schools, MATs, local authorities, businesses and industry, community and voluntary organisations, sports and culture, academic and vocational.
Are you able to offer capacity, and practical support?