THE FUTURE looks bright for youngsters in the district after nine schools were given a funding boost.
Warwickshire County Council’s Skills for Employment programme has handed out a total of £112,000 to Alcester Grammar, Henley School, Kineton School, KES, Shipston High School, Southam College, Stratford College, Stratford School and Studley School in a bid to help students become more employable and promote partnerships with business.
The cash will be used for everything from holding events to raise confidence and aspirations, to buying software to help students research and plan their futures, as well as teaching interview skills and offering work experience placements.
At Studley, the money has enabled the school to develop its careers education provision – helping to reach a far greater number of students.
The school has also been able to work with local businesses as part of its support programme to help students prepare for the world of work.
Headteacher, Lee Gray, said: “We are delighted to have received this funding to support the growing relationship between Studley High School and the local business community.
“From the start of the new term, local businesses will be supporting Studley pupils with mock interviews and feedback in preparation for their next steps beyond GCSEs.”
The latest round of funding comes on top of a £3,000 grant the school received in June this year, which is being put towards activities to gain ‘Investor in Careers’ status – a national quality standard for the management of careers education, information, advice and guidance.
The school has also been able to fund additional face-to-face careers guidance for pupils.
Coun Izzi Seccombe, leader of Warwickshire County Council and board member of the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “Ensuring our young people are equipped to succeed in the workplace is one of our key priorities.
“The grants are part of the county council’s £2.4m Skills for Employment programme designed to stimulate innovation in the range of employability support in the county.
“So far, £304,000 has been awarded to schools and colleges for a range of exciting innovative projects designed to develop employability skills among young people and forge new links between education and businesses.”
