Macademia, the Nottingham education studio known for its creative, hands-on approach to learning, has opened a new studio in West Bridgford.
Macademia’s Daytime Academy returns after the Easter break, offering an alternative learning environment for home-educated children in the area.
Based at its local studio, the programme combines core academic subjects including maths, English and science with a wider range of creative and vocational sessions such as architecture, engineering and fashion design.
The sessions are delivered in a studio-style setting intended to provide a calm and focused atmosphere, with an emphasis on hands-on, project-based learning. The approach is designed to support families seeking flexible education options, complementing home education with structured daytime provision and opportunities for practical skill development.
Located on Thoroton Road, West Bridgford (NG2 5FT), the new venue builds on the success of Macademia’s original Sherwood studio and expands the organisation’s programmes for both teenagers exploring career pathways and home-educated students.
The expansion comes at a time when increasing numbers of families are exploring alternative approaches to education, including home education and more flexible learning environments that focus on creativity, practical skills and real-world experience.
One of the core programmes running from the new studio is Macademia’s Young Professionals Academy (YPA) — a programme designed to help teenagers explore real careers before making important education choices.
The programme takes an approach more commonly seen in university studios and creative industries, where students learn by working through real design and problem-solving projects rather than traditional classroom lessons.
Rather than traditional tutoring, the Young Professionals Academy allows students to step into professional pathways through hands-on studio sessions led by tutors working in those industries. Each pathway runs as a structured programme over several weeks, guiding students through topics such as design thinking, materials, modelling, presentation and real-world project work.
Subjects explored through the programme include architecture, engineering, medicine, sustainability, fashion design, marketing and entrepreneurship. Students work on structured projects, build portfolios and develop the creative and problem-solving skills used in those industries.
The idea for the Young Professionals Academy was inspired by the experience of Macademia co-founder Adriana, who works as a university lecturer in architecture.
“As a university lecturer, I regularly see students arrive on courses without fully understanding what the profession actually involves. Some realise too late that the course isn’t what they expected.
“That’s really where the idea for the Young Professionals Academy came from. We wanted to give young people genuine insight into different careers while they are still at school, so they can make informed decisions about their future.
“If a student discovers a subject they love and decides to pursue it further, that’s wonderful. But even if they realise it’s not the path for them, that’s still a success, because it helps them avoid choosing the wrong course later on.”
Alongside this, the new West Bridgford studio will also host Macademia’s Daytime Academy, designed specifically for home-educated students across Nottingham and the surrounding areas aged 7–16. The programme combines structured academic learning with creative studio sessions delivered in small, supportive groups.
Students attending the Daytime Academy can explore subjects including core subjects, GCSE preparation, life skills, architecture, engineering, art, fashion design and interior design, helping them develop both academic knowledge and practical skills while building confidence.
Sessions are delivered in small, supportive groups, creating an environment that works particularly well for students with different learning styles, including many who are neurodivergent.
Macademia also runs Holiday Studios during school holidays, where students take part in multi-day creative workshops exploring subjects such as architecture, engineering, art and fashion design.
Natalie, co-founder of Macademia, said the new West Bridgford location will allow the team to reach more families across Rushcliffe and Nottingham.
“Since opening our Sherwood studio we’ve seen growing interest from families across Nottingham who are looking for something a little different from traditional learning. Many young people are curious about creative industries and emerging careers, but don’t always get the opportunity to explore them in school. Macademia gives them that chance in a supportive, hands-on environment.”
Families currently attend Macademia from across Nottinghamshire and surrounding counties.
To celebrate the opening of the new studio, Macademia will be hosting an Open Day on 21 March, where families can visit the space, meet tutors and learn more about the programmes available. Visitors will also be able to hear short introductions to the programmes throughout the day, giving parents and students a clearer insight into how the sessions work.
Readers of West Bridgford Wire can also receive 10% off their first booking using the code WBW10.
Email: info@macademia.co.uk
Phone: 0115 646 2016
Website – Home – Macademia
Bookings – Macademia.magicbooking.co.uk
Facebook – Macademia Facebook
Trent Business Centre
Thoroton Road
West Bridgford
NG2 5FT
