People across Dorset are being urged to act now and have their say on proposals for a new home for Dorset Studio School, with the current pre-application consultation closing on Sunday 13th September.
The consultation is now open, giving parents, residents, employers, former students, community organisations and anyone interested in the future of rural education in Dorset an opportunity to see the emerging plans and provide their feedback.
Full details of the proposals, including artist’s impressions, the proposed location and potential layout of the new school, can be viewed at supportdorsetstudioschool.co.uk, where people can also access the formal consultation and submit their comments.
With only a short consultation period, the school is encouraging local people to look at the proposals now and take the opportunity to have their say before the deadline.
An important opportunity to find out more will take place on Tuesday 8th September, when a public information event will be held at Dorset Studio School, Kingston Maurward, DT2 8PX, from 5pm to 7pm.
Members of the community are encouraged to come along, view the emerging proposals, find out more about the plans and speak to members of the school and project team.
The proposed development represents an important next chapter for a school that offers a distinctive approach to secondary education.
Dorset Studio School gives young people the opportunity to learn differently, achieve highly and prepare for meaningful careers, combining strong academic education with practical, work-related learning rooted in the countryside and rural economy.
Land-based learning is fundamental to the school’s approach.
Students learn not only in classrooms but in workshops, woodlands, farms and workplaces, developing qualifications and academic knowledge alongside practical ability, confidence, resilience, teamwork and the work ethic valued by employers.
Working closely with Coastland College, employers, landowners, rural businesses, professional organisations and community partners. Students gain experience and insight across areas including farming, forestry, landscaping, horticulture, animal care, ecology, environmental management and many other land-based and rural careers.
For young people who thrive with a different approach to learning than they might experience in a conventional secondary school, Dorset Studio School provides an education that connects what happens in the classroom with the real world outside it.
Alongside practical and land-based learning, students study for the qualifications they need to progress into further education, apprenticeships, employment and successful adult lives.
Jason Malone, Principal, said:
“Every young person deserves the opportunity to discover what they are capable of. At Dorset Studio School, our land-based curriculum combines academic learning with hands-on, real-world experiences that build confidence, resilience and a strong work ethic. We want our students to find their pathway, understand where their strengths can take them and leave ready not just for their next exam, but for the opportunities and responsibilities of adult life.”
The proposed new building would bring all of Dorset Studio School together in one new building, designed around the needs of the school, on the Kingston Maurward campus.
The school currently operates across its main base at Kingston Maurward and additional accommodation in Poundbury. Bringing the whole school together would mean students, staff, facilities and resources are all in one place. Thus creating an environment designed around academic teaching, practical learning, pastoral care, careers education, employer engagement and the needs of a land-based curriculum.
The ambition is about much more than creating another school building. The proposals have the potential to create a centre for rural education, opportunity and partnership, strengthening the connections between young people, education, employers and Dorset’s countryside community.
Anyone wanting to find out more before the public information event can also meet the school and project team at the Dorset County Show this weekend, Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th September.
Dorset Studio School will be joining Knighton Countryside Management on Stand H9. Visitors will be able to see artist’s impressions of the emerging design and proposed location, learn more about the school and speak to members of the team about the plans.
The proposed development must respond carefully to the landscape, heritage and rural character of the Kingston Maurward campus. The current consultation is an important opportunity for local people to understand the proposals and offer constructive feedback.
The pre-application consultation closes on Sunday 13th September 2026.
All feedback received will help shape the final design before a planning application is submitted to Dorset Council later this year.
To view the proposals, see the artist’s impressions and take part in the formal consultation, visit:
supportdorsetstudioschool.co.uk
Or come along to the public information event at Dorset Studio School, Kingston Maurward, on Tuesday 8th September from 5pm to 7pm.
