Millbay Academy in Partnership with Arts University Plymouth

This week, stakeholders from Millbay and AUP came together for an inspiring evening of discussion, planning and shared vision. This highlighted the many ways our partnership is already flourishing, as well as the exciting new initiatives we will be developing together. This relationship is a cornerstone of our commitment to nurturing creativity, ambition and real‑world opportunity for our young people.

Plymouth is a city that thrives on creativity. From arts and culture to digital innovation, creative industries are woven into the fabric of our community. At Millbay Academy, we want our students to be at the heart of that. Not just observing it but actively shaping it.

AUP shares many of our core values, particularly around inclusion, aspiration and the belief that creativity can transform futures. Working together allows us to strengthen the pathways available to our students and ensure they have access to the skills, experiences and networks that will help them thrive in the modern creative landscape.

This collaboration also aligns with Plymouth’s growing cultural ambition, including the city’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029. The bid represents a major opportunity to showcase Plymouth’s creative energy, celebrate its diverse communities and unlock significant investment for cultural activity across the city. If successful, it would bring a year‑long programme of arts, heritage, sport, food and community events to Plymouth, shining a spotlight on the very creativity our students are beginning to explore and contribute to. Our partnership with AUP places Millbay students in an exciting position to be part of this wider cultural moment and to benefit from the opportunities it could bring.

Arts University Plymouth is a specialist arts institution offering a wide range of creative degrees, pre‑degree courses and professional development opportunities. Known for its hands‑on, industry‑focused approach, AUP provides students with access to cutting‑edge facilities, expert tutors and a vibrant creative community.

The university is recognised nationally for its commitment to innovation, inclusivity and the development of creative talent. With strong links to industry and a reputation for producing graduates who excel in fields such as design, media, photography, fine art, fashion and digital arts, AUP plays a vital role in shaping the creative landscape of Plymouth and beyond.

Our partnership with AUP ensures that Millbay students can experience this world‑class creative environment first‑hand, helping them build confidence, skills and aspirations for their future.

Our relationship with AUP is already well‑established, with a wide range of opportunities in place:

Creative Projects

• A new School of Sanctuary mural, designed in collaboration with AUP. This project aims to bring our values to life through large‑scale art created for our school environment.

Careers & Progression Support

• Regular engagement with AUP outreach staff
• Delivery of the CAST Programme, where students work with AUP tutors and take part in a graduation event.
• Unifrog workshops helping Year 9 and Year 10 students explore future pathways, identify their strengths and understand how their skills translate into the workplace.

Trips & Experiences

• Annual visits to AUP’s Pre‑Degree and College departments, where students take part in workshops such as film, textiles, art and design.
• Attendance at the University Graduate Show, where the entire campus transforms into a large‑scale exhibition of third‑year student work, an inspiring experience that gives our students a real sense of what creative study can lead to.

Enrichment & Portfolio Development

• AUP has supported Millbay with enrichment activities including fashion workshops and the Drake’s Island photography project.
• Students are also able to attend portfolio‑building sessions during October and Easter half terms, gaining access to university facilities such as photography studios, craft spaces and specialist workshops.

This partnership is not only beneficial for Millbay students, it also creates meaningful, real‑world opportunities for students at Arts University Plymouth.

As part of our growing collaboration, we are exploring ways to welcome AUP students into Millbay Academy for teacher‑training experiences, classroom observation and creative project delivery. This will give aspiring educators and creative practitioners the chance to work within a real school environment, gain hands‑on experience, and develop their professional skills in a supportive setting.

For AUP students, this represents a prestigious and valuable training opportunity, one that offers insight into teaching, youth engagement, curriculum design and the wider educational landscape. More details on these opportunities will be shared soon as the programme develops.

This partnership is only just beginning to show its full potential. As we move forward, we are excited to expand the opportunities available to our students and to deepen our collaboration with AUP. Together, we are building a pathway that celebrates creativity, supports ambition and opens doors to fulfilling futures.

Keep an eye on our website and social media channels, there will be many more updates to come as this partnership continues to grow.

What does this partnership mean for my child?

Your child will have access to workshops, university‑level facilities, creative projects, portfolio support and opportunities to work with professional artists and university tutors.

Is this partnership only for students taking creative subjects?

While many activities focus on creative pathways, several workshops, such as skills development, careers guidance and Unifrog sessions benefit students across a range of interests.

Will students visit the university campus?

Yes. We attend annual trips to AUP’s Pre‑Degree, as well as visits to the University Graduate Show.

How does this help with future careers?

Students gain insight into real creative industries, develop practical skills, build portfolios and receive guidance on pathways into further education, apprenticeships and employment.

Is this partnership safe and supervised?

Absolutely. All activities are fully supervised by Millbay staff and AUP professionals, with safeguarding procedures in place at every stage.

Will there be more opportunities in the future?

Yes. This partnership is expanding and we will be sharing regular updates as new projects and opportunities become available.