As part of our committment to nurturing ambitions and preparing our students for a successful career, a group of seven students in Year 10 have been attending Bishop Auckland College to build skills in both construction and mechanics.

The group are in the process of completing a Level 1 BTEC in Motor Vehicle Maintenance and a Level 1 BTEC in Construction; both qualifications will be achieved through part-time study over a two year period.

The opportunity to gain these additional qualifications was organised by Head of Year 10, Mrs Patterson, as the boys had expressed an interest in these careers. They attend college for two afternoons each week and have been developing valuable skills through stripping an engine, repairing brakes and making window frames.

As they near the end of their first year, feedback from the college has been very positive; tutors report that the boys are extremely competent and that they are already achieving above the Level 1 qualification. We are proud to be giving our young people a head start on the career of their choice and ensuring that they are well equipped to progress onto higher level courses or apprenticeships when the time comes.