[5] It was situated on the site of the former Music Department block that was part of Rye College.

The core GCSE subjects of maths, computer science and English language and literature were followed, with the curriculum extended to include performing arts, photography, music, art and creative media to GCSE standard.

[7] The inspectors noted that the school had an impressive strategic vision which, only two years after opening, was being fully realised.

[8] The inspectors stated that "The founding leaders of the studio school remain rightly proud of the vision.

Regrettably, this impressive ambition was not tempered by a realistic understanding of all the managerial skills necessary to lead successful provision".