New creative agency to unlock potential of young people with special education needs

A pioneering local creative education provider is set to launch a new creative agency to unlock potential of young people with special educational needs (SEN).

Boomsatsuma, which was founded in Weston-super-Mare, will return to its home turf with the opening of The Create Agency which will create alternative paths into creative industries for SEND youth.

The centre is expected to open this autumn with an inaugural intake of 20 students aged 16+, under the tutelage of experienced SEND professionals.

The new creative hub is the result of a long-standing partnership between Boomsatsuma and North Somerset Council, offering an up-to-date curriculum and personalised support tailored to each learner.

Boomsatsuma delivers college-level diplomas and BA (Hons) degrees in areas such as film, photography, game design, digital media, sports media production, acting and dance

Boomsatuma was founded in 2008 with a mission to empower young people through flexible, industry-focused learning, which delivers college-level diplomas and BA (Hons) degrees in areas such as film, photography, game design, digital media, sports media production, acting and dance.

With hubs at Portland Square, Tobacco Factory, The Bottle Yard Studios and Leadworks, Boomsatuma aligns its programmes with some of the biggest names in the industry including Bottleyard Studios, Ashton Gate and Engine Shed.

Mark Curtis, chief executive of Boomsatsuma, said: “From day one, Boomsatsuma has been about reimagining what education can be—creating a space where young people aren’t expected to fit into outdated systems, but where the system is shaped around them. Nowhere is that more important than in alternative, specialist provision.

“We’ve always believed in the intrinsic power of creativity to connect young people with learning in a way that’s personal and full of possibility. It’s not just about developing skills—it’s about building confidence, a sense of belonging, and creating agency.

“Returning to Weston-super-Mare to open the doors of The Create Agency after 15 years is incredibly exciting. We’re proud to be building something new, rooted in the needs of the local community and shaped around the individuality of every young person we support.”

With demand for SEN places rising and many parents having to travel significant distances, the new creative education hub has been hailed as a welcome addition to the area.

With hubs at Portland Square, Tobacco Factory, The Bottle Yard Studios and Leadworks, Boomsatuma aligns its programmes with some of the biggest names in the industry

Catherine Gibbons, cabinet member for children and families at North Somerset Council, said: “We are really proud to have worked with Boomsatsuma, as well as local families, carers and SEND professionals, to offer an alternative path for young people with special educational needs (SEN), and I am very excited by the opportunity this will bring to young people.

“The Create Agency is sure to be a welcome addition to North Somerset – helping to unlock further potential in young people through creativity and offering a personalised, supportive learning environment tailored for each student.

“Across North Somerset, we continue to see an increase in the number of young people who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan. The Create Agency will help create additional SEN places and bring great benefits to young people.”

Boomstasuma, which was founded in Weston-super-Mare, will return to its home turf with the opening of The Create Agency

For more information, visit www.boomsatsuma.com/department/the-create-agency

All photos: Boomsatsuma

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