Fresh from its October 2024 Ofsted inspection rated Good, De Salis Studio College occupies a distinctive niche in London's secondary landscape. Since opening in September 2014, this 178-student academy has pioneered a model where young people aged 14 to 19 study criminology and law in a purpose-built courtroom, economics and finance on a professional trading floor, and retail in a fully functioning shop unit. The college is small by design: with a student-to-staff ratio of 10:1 and a maximum capacity of 300, the environment feels more intimate than typical comprehensives. Most distinctively, De Salis is not for everyone. It explicitly recruits students with a genuine interest in business and commerce, creating a peer group united by shared vocational ambition rather than proximity or selection criteria.
The defining feature at De Salis is the absolute seriousness with which students are treated as young adults. Lessons follow core business hours (6-7 hours of direct learning daily, deliberately mirroring workplace schedules), and dress codes emphasise professionalism over uniformity. Staff describe students as enjoying one another in a close-knit community that "functions like a family," according to the 2017 Ofsted report, with pupils naturally looking out for each other.
The physical environment reinforces this workplace ethos throughout. The school occupies bespoke facilities where teaching happens in realistic professional contexts: the law court hosts criminology and law studies; the trading floor hosts economics and finance lessons; the retail unit enables hands-on learning in commercial practice. This is not simulation; these are functioning spaces designed to embed authentic work experience into the academic week. Every student completes formal work placements in Year 10, and placements continue through Year 12 for sixth formers.
Miss Heidi Faure has led the college as Executive Principal since February 2018, having previously served as Vice Principal at a sister school within the Rosedale Hewens Academy Trust. Her background combines teaching experience with a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Management, and her tenure has coincided with steady growth and the school's rise from an initial cohort of 41 sixth formers to a thriving sixth form programme with genuine progression.
The atmosphere is calm and purposeful rather than chaotic. The 2024 Ofsted inspection noted that students are "well-behaved" and demonstrate the school's high expectations through respectful interactions. Behaviour incidents are reported as rare, and persistent absence is not a feature of the school's culture. The recent award of the Leading Parent Partnership Award (LPPA) for 2025–2028 reflects the school's success in building genuine relationships between staff, students, and families.
De Salis occupies the middle tier nationally for GCSE performance. The school ranks 1,737th in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 38% of schools nationally. On the Attainment 8 measure, students achieved an average of 55.1, compared to the England average of 45.9, indicating solid performance above the national baseline. Progress 8 for 2023/24 was +0.23, suggesting students make above-average progress from their Key Stage 2 starting points, though not exceptional value-added.
The school's own account suggests more robust headline performance. The college's performance page notes that results placed De Salis "amongst the top flight of London schools, and as one of the highest performing Studio Schools in the country," with many students achieving grades that set them on a firm course for successful sixth form study. In 2024, 57% of students achieved grade 5 or above in English and Mathematics combined, above the national pass threshold.
Notably, the school does not enter most students for the English Baccalaureate (EBacc), reflecting its deliberate focus on core subjects combined with vocational qualifications. Instead, students earn vocational credentials including the Certificate in Financial Education (CeFE) and Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) qualifications alongside traditional GCSEs.
At sixth form, the school performs at a middle level. The A-level ranking is 988th in England (FindMySchool ranking), placing it in the middle 37% nationally. Grade outcomes show that 11% achieved grade A, 56% achieved grade B, and 67% achieved A*–B combined, which exceeds the England average of 47% for A*–B grades. This indicates the sixth form cohort is performing meaningfully above typical national performance.
The small cohort size (typically 9–18 students completing A-levels) means individual student variation impacts results significantly. The school uses collaborative arrangements with partner schools in the Rosedale Hewens Trust — Rosedale College, Hewens College, and Parkside Studio College — to offer a broader range of A-level subjects than would be viable for a standalone 178-student institution.
England ranks and key metrics (where available)
A-Level A*-B
66.67%
% of students achieving grades A*-B
GCSE 9–7
—
% of students achieving grades 9-7
The curriculum at De Salis is deliberately structured to combine traditional academic rigour with workplace authenticity. Core subjects — English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Science (taught as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics), Business Studies, and IT — account for approximately 55% of Year 10 learning time. The remaining 45% is allocated to specialist courses reflecting the college's business focus: Law, Psychology, Criminology, Computer Science, Accounting (AAT qualifications), and Retail Business.
Teaching follows patterns designed to mirror adult working life. Individual Learning Plans (ILPs) are central to the model; every student meets with a Personal Coach during morning registration to discuss progress and update targets. Each week combines academic subjects, vocational learning, project-based work, and real work experience, ensuring no two days are identical. Project-based learning is embedded throughout: students manage projects from conception through production to distribution, gaining direct exposure to commercial processes.
One-to-one support is a defining feature. Alongside core teaching, Learning Mentors provide academic and vocational guidance for all students. The school reports that accelerated learning is the norm for higher-ability students, who progress through qualifications faster than peers at conventional secondary schools. Equally, targeted intervention is available for those facing barriers to learning, ensuring every student can engage with the curriculum at a pace reflecting their ability and ambition.
Ofsted inspectors in 2017 highlighted that teachers have secure subject knowledge, with several having experience as exam paper markers. More recent inspection feedback notes some inconsistency in teaching quality due to recruitment challenges in specific subjects, but the school has implemented effective action plans to address sixth form outcomes in particular.
Quality of Education
N/A
Behaviour & Attitudes
N/A
Personal Development
N/A
Leadership & Management
Good
Approximately 63% of Key Stage 4 leavers progress to university, 6% to further education, and 25% to employment, according to the leavers destination data (2023/24 cohort). The final 6% were not tracked in published data. This profile reflects the college's vocational mission: while meaningful university progression exists, the school prepares a substantial cohort for direct employment or apprenticeships, positioning graduates as work-ready candidates.
Sixth form retention is strong. A notable proportion of Year 11 pupils remain into Year 12, describing the sixth form as an "attractive option." Students typically complete A-level courses as expected and move on to higher education, apprenticeships, or employment at destinations they have actively chosen in consultation with careers advisors.
The school does not publish specific university destination data on its website, so overall progression figures are limited. However, the school's approach suggests students are well-positioned for competitive entry. The emphasis on professional experience, combined with above-average A-level performance (67% achieving A*–B), indicates plausible university readiness for a meaningful cohort, particularly in business, law, and commerce-related degrees.
The college's commitment to workplace-authentic learning extends beyond the curriculum into dedicated spaces that set it apart from conventional schools. The purpose-built law court serves as a functioning teaching space for criminology and law studies, allowing students to experience legal proceedings in a realistic environment. The professional trading floor hosts live economics and finance lessons, where students analyse real market data and simulate investment decisions in a space that physically and conceptually resembles a financial institution. The retail shop unit operates as a fully functioning commercial space, enabling hands-on learning in retail management, customer service, and stock control. These facilities are not props for occasional simulations; they are central to daily learning.
The Robotics Club provides hands-on STEM learning aligned with career pathways in engineering and technology, giving students practical experience that extends beyond the standard curriculum. The Student Council has proven influential in shaping school policy; students have successfully worked with leadership to refine homework timetables and shape broader college decisions, demonstrating genuine student voice in governance.
The Girls Link Up Workshop is an eight-week entrepreneurship programme specifically designed to empower young women with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to launch their own business ventures. Participants explore business idea generation, market research methodologies, and business model development, culminating in presentations of their own startup concepts. This aligns directly with the college's mission to make students workplace-ready, with a specific focus on closing the gender gap in business and entrepreneurship.
Poetry and creative writing are encouraged through structured programmes. During National Poetry Day, students craft original poetry — including quatrains and rhyming couplets — reflecting the diverse, aspirational, and inclusive character of the college community. This demonstrates that despite the business focus, creative expression remains valued alongside technical skill.
Culture Day celebrates the diversity within the student body through engaging presentations, traditional attire, and spirited dance performances. The event functions as a joyful celebration of the varied heritages that make up the De Salis community, reinforcing a message that professionalism and personal identity are not mutually exclusive.
The school encourages active participation in organised sport and leisure activities, partnering with Rosedale College (a sister institution within the trust) to access expanded facilities. Students have access to team sports including football and other offerings, though the college emphasises general wellness and lifelong physical activity rather than elite sport competition.
Personal development opportunities are woven throughout the daily schedule. Each morning begins with discussions and debates on current affairs, developing students' ability to engage with real-world issues and articulate informed viewpoints. Careers advice and guidance are embedded into the programme, with staff proactively connecting learning to employment pathways and helping students visualise their futures. Work experience providers are carefully selected partners, and the school reports that students value these connections highly, seeing firsthand how classroom learning translates to workplace application.
De Salis Studio College is a studio school, a state-funded specialist provision for ages 14-19. Entry is not selective in the traditional sense (there is no entrance examination), but it is explicitly designed for students with a genuine interest in business and commerce. Admissions information should be sought directly from the school's website or by contacting the admissions team at 020 3819 3421.
The college sits within the Rosedale Hewens Academy Trust, which operates multiple schools across Hillingdon. Prospective students and families are invited to explore the college experience through open events; the school announced a full open day for Saturday 25 October 2025, featuring interactive workshops and creative activities designed to showcase the unique learning environment.
As a smaller institution (capacity 300, currently around 178 students), places are limited, and entry requires genuine interest in the business-focused curriculum. Families should verify current admissions timelines and any specific entry requirements by visiting the school's website directly or contacting the main office.
The small scale of De Salis is a significant pastoral asset. With a student-to-staff ratio of 10:1, no student is anonymous. The 2017 Ofsted report noted that pupils describe the school community as functioning "like a family" where students look out for one another and help each other out. Leaders are reported to be "meticulous" in follow-up if pupils need additional care or support, with appropriate access to external provision when required.
Safeguarding is taken seriously. The school has strong arrangements in place, with staff well-informed about risks, and handling of conflicts and concerns is effective with oversight from trustees and external agencies. The recent award of the Leading Parent Partnership Award reflects the school's commitment to building meaningful relationships between college, families, and carers.
For students with special educational needs or disabilities, the school offers tailored support through a dedicated SENCO and individualised pathways. Physical and mental well-being support is available through the Rosedale Hewens Trust infrastructure, with staff trained in recognising and responding to student needs.
Students typically study for 6–7 hours of direct learning daily, reflecting core business hours. Morning registration begins the day, with Personal Coaches available to discuss progress.
Students are expected to dress professionally, reflecting the workplace ethos of the college. This is not traditional school uniform but rather expectations aligned with professional workplace standards.
The college occupies purpose-built accommodation on Hewens College campus (within the Rosedale Hewens Trust), having relocated from temporary premises in March 2017. Students also access sports and dining facilities through partnership arrangements with Rosedale College.
The school is located at Hewens Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB4 8JP. Local transport links should be checked independently. Parking information is available on enquiry.
Structured careers advice is integral to the curriculum, delivered through Personal Coaches, formal guidance sessions, and real work experience partnerships with local employers.
Not for all learners. De Salis is explicitly designed for young people with a genuine interest in business and commerce. If a student is indifferent to this pathway or prefers a broader, less vocational secondary experience, the college's specialist focus may not align with their interests or aspirations.
Smaller community. With 178 students across the full 14–19 age range, the social dynamic is notably smaller than a typical secondary of 1,000+. This creates closeness and family-like relationships, which suit many young people brilliantly. Others may feel the community is too small or that social and friendship groups lack the breadth available in larger settings.
Workplace integration requires maturity. The college treats students as young adults from day one. This is genuinely empowering for many, but it requires a level of responsibility and emotional maturity. Students who struggle with self-direction or who thrive within more traditional school structures may find the self-management demands challenging.
Studio school model is still relatively new. De Salis opened in 2014 and remains one of the newer secondary school types in England. While the model is proven, there is less historical data on long-term graduate outcomes compared to established comprehensives or selective schools. Parents should consider whether they are comfortable with a proven but non-conventional pathway.
De Salis Studio College is a genuinely distinctive option for families seeking secondary education that prioritises workplace readiness alongside academic qualification. The college delivers a Good-rated education in a carefully designed environment where students experience professional contexts — law courts, trading floors, retail units — as learning spaces. Results are middle-tier nationally, but above-average A-level performance and strong leavers destination data suggest the specialist model works.
The college suits young people who thrive when treated as young adults, who have genuine interest in business, law, finance, retail, or ICT pathways, and who value practical, project-based learning over abstract academic content. For families seeking a conventional comprehensive experience, De Salis is not the right fit. For those whose teenagers are motivated by real-world application and workplace preparation, it offers a compelling and genuinely different secondary education. The small scale, low student-to-staff ratios, and embedded work experience create an experience that larger schools cannot replicate.
Yes. De Salis Studio College was rated Good by Ofsted in October 2024. The school achieves above-average A-level performance (67% gaining A*–B grades) and strong sixth form outcomes, with 63% of leavers progressing to university. The college ranks 988th in England for A-level performance (FindMySchool ranking), placing it above national average for sixth form provision. Students report a strong sense of community, with low absence rates and positive behaviour throughout.
De Salis is a studio college, a specialist state-funded provider for ages 14–19 with a focus on business, law, criminology, finance, retail, and ICT. Rather than conventional classrooms, students learn in purpose-built professional spaces: a functioning law court for law and criminology, a trading floor for economics and finance, and a retail shop unit for commercial learning. Every student completes mandatory work experience placements. The college operates on a small scale (178 students, 10:1 student-to-staff ratio) and treats all students as young adults preparing for workplace entry. This model is deliberately vocational alongside academic.
Core subjects are English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Business Studies. Students also choose specialist courses aligned to five main pathways: Criminology and Law (taught in the on-site law court), Business and Finance (taught on the trading floor), Retail, Computer Science/ICT, and Psychology. Students earn both traditional GCSEs and vocational qualifications such as the Certificate in Financial Education (CeFE) and Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS). Post-16, students access a comprehensive A-level range through collaboration with sister schools within the Rosedale Hewens Academy Trust.
De Salis is not academically selective in the traditional sense (no entrance examination), but it is explicitly designed for young people with a genuine interest in business and commerce. Applications are welcome from students aged 14+, but families should verify current admissions processes, deadlines, and any specific entry guidance by visiting the school website (desalisstudiocollege.co.uk) or contacting the college directly at 020 3819 3421. Open days typically run in autumn; the school announced a full open day for Saturday 25 October 2025.
The college occupies purpose-built facilities on Hewens College campus (Rosedale Hewens Academy Trust). Key facilities include a functioning law court, a professional trading floor, and a retail shop unit, all used as active learning spaces rather than simulations. Students also access sports facilities and dining provision through partnership arrangements with Rosedale College. The college moved to this permanent accommodation in March 2017 after initially operating from temporary premises.
Approximately 63% of Key Stage 4 leavers progress to university, 6% to further education, and 25% directly into employment (2023/24 data). The school does not publish specific university destination breakdowns on its website, but the emphasis on professional experience and A-level grades (67% achieved A*–B in 2024) suggest reasonable university readiness for interested students. Sixth form retention is strong; many Year 11 pupils stay on into Year 12, with students typically completing courses as planned and progressing to destinations of their choice.
Yes, De Salis operates a sixth form (Year 12–13). Students typically progress from Year 11, though external entry at 16 is possible. The school works with partner institutions to offer a comprehensive A-level curriculum. Specific entry requirements for external sixth form entry should be confirmed directly with the college. Recent Ofsted feedback noted that sixth form leadership has implemented effective action plans improving student progress and outcomes, with the sixth form now well-led and managed.
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