AN independent school in Blackburn has reached the finals of a school of the year awards for its stellar career work.

Staff and governors at Westholme School are celebrating being shortlisted by the Independent Schools of the Year Awards.

Judges will be looking for candidates which stand out in the way they helps students with careers provision, advice and support on choosing a career and assist them with finding suitable work experience and preparing for future employment.

Dr Richard Robson, principal, said: “We are immensely proud to have our most successful year for Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.

"With a 100 per cent success rate this year, this reflects our ongoing commitment to holistic education and providing alternative routes into higher education for our incredible students.”

In their bid, Westholme will be relying on their focus in providing essential skills for the 21st century workplace which they say "prepares all students with employability and work-ready skills"

School chiefs say students have successfully secured degree level apprenticeships with a range of multi-national companies including the BBC, PwC, ARUP, Jaguar Land Rover and KPMG, covering disciplines ranging from accounting, products and marketing to engineering and technology.

The apprenticeships record runs alongside the establishment's academic prowess, which saw nearly a quarter of students achieve at least 2 A*/A grades and above at A level.

The school says it engages with students from an early age to spark an interest in apprenticeships, offers one-to-one tailored support throughout the school, mock interviews, workplace visits, assemblies, and presentations from recent alumni apprentices, ASK and local universities.

An alumni network, with a dedicated online platform, has also been developed to increase engagement and create further opportunities for their students.

Dr Robson added: “We were very honoured to be selected as finalists from all the independent schools in the UK and invited to the award ceremony to be recognised for the innovation and pioneering educational approach that our staff deliver for our wonderful students at Westholme.”

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on October 10.