Rebuild confirmed for overcrowded studio school

Dorset Studio School is on the Kingston Maurward estate near Dorchester

A studio school specialising in land-based and environmental studies is to be completely rebuilt.

Dorset Studio School, near Dorchester, is so overcrowded that some lessons are held four miles away in Poundbury.

After years of lobbying, the Department for Education has confirmed funding for a new school building.

Head teacher Jason Malone said he hoped the new facility would be open in 2027.

Dorset Studio School opened in 2015 and by 2019 had expanded to teach Year 7 to 11.

Mr Malone said: "We've grown from that time onwards and needed a new state-of-the-art facility to really give the young people of Dorset a school that allows them to access this specialist curriculum."

Jason Malone (right) thanked Edward Morello (left) and Lloyd Hatton for their support

Mr Malone thanked local MPs Lloyd Hatton and Ed Morello for lobbying to get the project "over the line", adding: "There's been a lot of work in the background - it's been going on for about five years.

"The governing body and previous principals have been involved."

Mr Hatton, Labour MP for South Dorset, said: "The problem with overcrowding was particularly unique.

"Many students had to do some lessons at a separate site in Poundbury - they were having to split the school in two, which was completely unsustainable."

Mr Morello, Lib Dem MP for West Dorset, said: "Dorset Studio School provides a vital educational service to pupils from across Dorset, and the new facilities this money will deliver will mean they can do even more for the children in their care.

"I'd like to pay tribute to the heads and the governors who have never given up on the vision for the school, despite the many set-backs."