Pendle News Room

“It’s just over six months since The Pendle Challenge was launched in a bid to improve educational outcomes and opportunities for children in Pendle.

“In an area which is ranked alongside some of the most deprived parts of the country, I’m pleased that our schools are working together to make strides to tackle challenges to learning.”

At last week’s Executive (24th August) councillors agreed to help fund hundreds of places for Pendle primary school children to join a national Children’s University designed to raise aspirations.

And Pendle Council has also recently funded a three year Business Class project with West Craven High School and Marsden Heights Community College to help secondary school students be ready for the work environment.

Over 80 organisations, including local schools, Nelson and Colne College  and Lancashire County Council, joined forces  in February to work together to improve the future of thousands of Pendle’s children and young people.

As A Level and GCSE exam results have been announced, Councillor Iqbal added: “Our shared aim is to make sure learning and life opportunities for young people in Pendle are among the best in the country.

“We’re delighted that this month’s A Level results have shown students at Nelson and Colne College achieved a 99.7% pass rate at A Level.

“And 26 subjects reached a 100% pass rate with 87% of entries achieving A*-C grades - an increase of 8% on last year.

“This year students at the College also gained a 100% pass rate in Vocational courses and the College is ranked second in the country for its 16-18 Apprenticeship success.

“Supported by one of the best colleges in the country, what a fantastic achievement this is by Pendle’s students.”

Partners right across The Pendle Challenge are working together to help raise self-esteem, build confidence and develop skills as well as raise GCSE and A Level grades.

They include Burnley FC in the Community providing all secondary schools with a free enterprise programme to engage students of maths and English in the different roles of managing a football team.

And Nelson and Colne College’s partner education provider Lancashire Adult Learning has been promoting its free Family Learning programme for families and schools to improve engagement with learning.

Paul Britton, Nelson and Colne College’s Vice Principal for Curriculum, said: “The Pendle Challenge is proving to be a powerful driving force to improve the future of thousands of Pendle’s children and young people.

“To raise strong future generations we must engage with children, young people, their parents, local organisations and the wider community.

“This is about making Pendle a place where children are going to be more successful, happier, and optimistic about living a purposeful life.”