REGULAR work experience while in education significantly increases a student’s chances of gaining employment, research commissioned by a school has found.

The research comes as Studio West, the North-East’s “studio school” for 13 to 19- year-olds, which will provide all students with weekly or fortnightly work experience placements, prepares to open in September, with students going into years nine, ten and 12 able to apply.

Ninety-one per cent of North-East business leaders who took part in the research said they would be more inclined to employ a student who had taken part in regular work experience placements throughout their education than a student with the same qualifications but no work experience.

The school, inspired by Californian school High Tech High, will use enterprise projects to teach students practical skills as well as academic subjects.

Principal designate Val Wigham said: “Time after time, employers tell us that schools are failing to prepare students for the world of work.

“While many have the right qualifications for the job, they lack practical skills that are just as important, such as communication skills, the ability to solve problems, time management, independence and commercial awareness.

“The ethos of Studio West is to bridge the gap between school and employment, not only by offering work placements, but by immersing students in a business culture from the very start of their education.

“As well as 13-year-old pupils who will begin studying for their GCSEs in September, we are able to take students in year ten who would like to transfer to a school which can offer more practical training alongside the qualifications employers value.”

North-East businesses that have backed the school include oil and gas engineering firm OGN.