Sky Studios Elstree Hosts College Students
West Herts College pupils and Watford MP toured the new facility, engaging with media training programmes.
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From the archive. This story was written up on 29 July 2026 from reporting first published on 17 February 2026, which is the date shown above. We took up the back catalogue of the local titles we read when this site launched, so the events are older than the page.
West Herts College students and Watford's Member of Parliament, Mr Turmaine, recently visited Sky Studios Elstree for a behind-the-scenes tour. The visit provided students with practical experience in media production and offered the MP insights into the facility's operations and its role in the film and television industry.
Sky Up Academy Studios Programme
The Sky Up Academy Studios programme, which aims to provide hands-on media training for young people, has welcomed more than 11,000 participants since its launch in March 2024. Schools including Beechfield, Westfield Academy, and Future Academies have sent students to engage with the initiative. During their visit, West Herts College pupils utilised professional-grade facilities to produce news reports, film trailers, and pitches.
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“It was fantastic to see our students so inspired during their visit to Sky Up Academy Studios Elstree. Opportunities like this give them a real insight into the breadth of careers available in the industry.”
Kathryn Harrold, employer liaison manager at West Herts College
Kathryn Harrold, employer liaison manager at West Herts College, described the visit as inspirational for the students, highlighting how such experiences offer valuable insight into the wide range of careers within the media sector. She added that seeing the professional facilities helps students connect their studies to potential career paths.
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Opened in 2023, Sky Studios Elstree is projected to attract £3 billion in production investment and create approximately 2,000 jobs within its initial five years. The facility has already been involved in the production of significant projects such as the films Wicked and Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, with How to Train Your Dragon 2 also slated for production there.
Mr Turmaine commented on the impressive nature of the studio, stating he learned a great deal during his tour. He noted the provision of a card game, similar to Top Trumps, designed to inform students about the diverse job opportunities within the film and TV industry.
Questions this report answers
+What did the students do during their visit to Sky Studios Elstree?
The West Herts College pupils used professional-grade facilities to produce news reports, film trailers, and pitches. This hands-on experience gave them practical skills in media production and helped them understand industry workflows.
+How many students have taken part in the Sky Up Academy Studios programme so far?
Over 11,000 young people have participated in the Sky Up Academy Studios programme since its launch in March 2024. Schools across the region, including Beechfield, Westfield Academy, and Future Academies, have been involved in the initiative.
+What impact is Sky Studios Elstree expected to have on the local economy?
Sky Studios Elstree is projected to attract £3 billion in production investment and create around 2,000 jobs within its first five years. This highlights its significant role in boosting the regional economy and employment opportunities.
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