A NEW type of school which will produce ready-made workers through ‘hands-on’ learning has officially been opened in Fulham by the Duke of York, Prince Andrew.

The Fulham Enterprise Studio in Kingwood Road became the first studio school to open in inner London, as part of a federation which runs Fulham Cross School and Fulham College Boys School.

As well as teaching the normal national curriculum to 14 to 19-year-olds, it will offer either construction or performing arts production as a specialist option, teaming up with local employers two days a week to give students the practical training they need to enter the world of work more quickly.

Fulham Football Club Foundation, Hammersmith and Fulham Council, building firm St George and Virgin Media are among the organisations to have signed up so far.

Described as being ‘more like a business than a school’, it will provide each student with a personal coach and they will also take part in at least two hours of sport a week, as well as extra activities such as the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The Duke of York gave a rousing opening speech to the studio’s 60 students, a number which will rise to 300 in the next five years.

Telling them they are the ‘future of the backbone of being employed or self-employed’, Prince Andrew said studio schools, of which there could eventually be 100 nationwide, would offer ‘greater flexibility and greater awareness of the use of hands, skills and the mind’.

“I fundamentally believe every single one of you can be a success in whatever you choose to do and it is down to a little bit of application and a little bit of opportunity,” he said. “The opportunity is here in this school and the application is down to you.”

Students gave their new school the thumbs-up.

Perry Teague, 14, said ‘there isn’t an average day here’, while Oluwafemi Fadeyi called it unique. Jack Hagger, 16, said: “You can carry on learning but you get to work as well. It’s relevant.”

Principal Bernie Peploe added: "This innovative concept with its local business partners will give students of all abilities the opportunity to gain work skills and relevant hands-on experience alongside national curriculum qualifications. Personal coaches bring a nurturing aspect to what is a challenging and business-like environment, giving every student the best possible chance of success."