A SCHOOL in Wellington has been named as a "champion" by the National Citizen Service 

Court Fields School is among the three Somerset schools listed for excelling in promoting the programme and recruiting young people to take part over the last academic year.

Paul Cowling, head of careers, Court Fields School says: “It’s a great achievement to be given Champion School status. 

"Our commitment to the programme reflects the amazing feedback we receive from our students, and the noticeable difference we see in their attitudes.

“On NCS our students meet people from different backgrounds, take on new challenges and, perhaps most importantly, learn about the community and how they can make a difference."

Holyrood Academy in Chard and Huish Episcopi Academy in Langport were also given "champion school" status.

The NCS programme lasts for two weeks for 16-17 year olds over school holidays. 

The programme involves teenagers meeting other local young people from a range of backgrounds, living independently, and developing new skills whilst learning more about their communities and how they can make a difference through social action projects. There are a number of ways in which schools can work with their local NCS provider to raise the profile of the programme to students and parents, ranging from delivering an assembly to students to attending careers events, parents’ evenings and delivering sessions to tutor groups. All are free of charge.

Education Secretary Justine Greening said: “It’s really fantastic to see that so many pupils have already benefitted from the wide range of programmes provided by National Citizen Service (NCS).

“I want to congratulate all the ‘champion schools’ and thank them for their hard work and commitment helping young people across the country gain vital skills that will help them get on in life and fulfil their potential.

“I want to see more schools getting involved. The new tool designed by NCS will also act as a great mechanism for schools to track their own progress in engaging young people."