In the Making, a pioneering programme to kindle creativity in young people, has reached a major milestone. Over 1,000 young people have now taken part in workshops at the home of Heatherwick Studio in King’s Cross, London. 

 

Over the last two years, the programme has responded to a creativity crisis in Britain’s schools. The decade since 2010 saw a 37% decline in GCSE entries to creative subjects, at a time when creativity became ever-more essential to the world of work and to people’s well-being.   

 

Designers have helped to turn this tide, alongside a fundamental shift in policy by the British Government. In 2024, Heatherwick Studio partnered with two youth organisations, Global Generation and Into University, to bring groups of young people to its home, Making House. During each visit, participants have tackled a design challenge and
discovered how to find a place in the creative industries.  

 

The young people are aged between 10 and 14, which crucially means that sessions can plant the seed of a creative career in students’ hearts before they select their GCSE subjects.

 

“This has been a pivotal moment for arts education and Britain’s creative industries. Everyone working in design is passionate about supporting young people. But most programmes offered by the sector have been too rare, too small, and too late. We need to intervene earlier, before students choose their GCSEs, and help young people see themselves as creative.” 

Thomas Heatherwick 

 

In the Making is now one of the biggest programmes of its kind run by any design studio in Britain. To support all 6,000 architecture practices across the UK to engage with schools, Heatherwick Studio has published free practical resources on how to run similar sessions for the next generation. 

 

Heatherwick Studio aimed to work with 600 young people over three years. But the hunger for creative education has driven participation over 1,000 in just two and a half.  

 

85% of young people report feeling more confident in their own creativity after their workshop. And 92% said the session has changed the way they think about creativity.  

 

“In the Making has had a transformative impact on students from Into University. Aspiration building is very important for our young people and this programme helps them to see themselves as creative thinkers and problem-solvers. Young people who would not otherwise experience this sort of setting learn that they have the talent and capability to work in the creative industries.”  

Viknesh Jeevachandran, Regional Operations Manager (North West London), Into University 

 

“The programme bridges the gap to a world from which many feel excluded. With the onslaught of AI and a world dominated by a lack of critical thought, the ability to reignite our creativity – to question, to solve problems and to challenge the way we think about the world – is needed more than ever.” 

Jemma Pym, Head of Fundraising and Programmes, Global Generation  

 

In November 2025, the UK Government announced the 2028 abolition of the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) and the reform of Progress 8 – performance measures that were seen to decimate the provision of creative subjects in schools. As these changes come into effect, demand for activities such as In the Making is set to surge from schools. 

 

You can learn more about In the Making and access resources on how to engage with young people here.