14th December, 2016

The ambitious Big Creative Academy offers inspirational academic opportunities to help to grow London's vibrant cultural scene

In September 2014, the Big Creative Academy, a groundbreaking school for 16 to 19 year olds, was launched to promote excellence in creativity, music and media.

"Our intention is to deliver an academy that 're-imagines education' for the twenty-first century; one that will be regarded by young people, parents and employers as one of the leading providers in London".

Located in East London, the academy provides an exciting new opportunity for some of the most disadvantaged communities in the country, while attracting students from across the capital, eager to access a curriculum dedicated to education and vocational training in digital media, music technology, event management, performing arts and fashion design.

Funded by the government as part of the Free School policy, the Big Creative Academy will be free to attend and will be inspected by OFSTED, under the Common Inspection Framework. The academy will have capacity for 400 learners, with ambitious plans to expand over the next five years to reflect the changes and economic priorities for the sector.

It will support the development of exciting industry projects and work with live briefs to prepare students for careers in their chosen sector.

An established network of senior executives from high profile companies such as ITN, Universal Music, Barcroft Media, MTV and Industry in the Streets will also serve as ambassadors.

Robin Elias, Managing Editor, ITV News, said: "The academy has introduced us to a previously untapped pool of enthusiastic and skilled talent. We've met a group of young people with a passion for media, coupled with technical know-how. They are focused, multi-skilled and totally at ease with the landscape of modern media. At ITN we want to open our doors and give opportunity to talent like this. The academy helped make that possible".

The Big Creative Academy will champion well-being as a core part of the curriculum and embed enterprise at the heart of the organisation to help launch hundreds of successful businesses and careers. The move is part of an overarching plan to contribute to London's vibrant cultural scene as well as contribute to the economic growth of a sector that accounts for one in five jobs in London and is worth £81 billion.

With the backing of the industry, sponsorship and the educational expertise of the team, the Big Creative Academy will cultivate an inspirational learning environment to produce motivated, work-ready young people, ready to progress directly into apprenticeships, HE, employment and enterprise in London's creative and cultural economy.

Contact: Mr Utkal Joshi

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