Co-operation is the byword in schools and business link-up

Campion School is already partnered with the Warwick-based Midcounties Co-operative stores group, which has seen staff take part in workshops helping pupils improve their job prospects.

Now Campion and the co-op have linked with four other schools and their business partners to form the Warwickshire Business in the Community (BiTC) Business Class Cluster.

The cluster will include TNT, George Eliot Hospital, Dassault Systemes and the Motor Industry Research Association and schools in north Warwickshire and near Coventry, which Chris Jones, of Midcounties will be chairman.

Campion head Mark Feldman said: “The partnership is a very useful support in preparing for life after school.

“Pupils meet a wider range of adults, who act as strong role models, and the expertise gleaned from this can help them to raise their attainment.

“The potential for work placements and work shadowing and other opportunities will enable students to learn about business and commercial life.”

Ben Reid, chief executive of Midcounties Co-operative, said: “Our colleagues have relished getting involved in projects as varied as acting as literacy mentors to delivering workshops on employability and social and personal issues.

“Mandy Holford, operations manager at The Co-operative Energy, has joined the school’s board of governors to strengthen our link with Campion.”

Dave Hughes, of BiTC, said: “Business Class is our flagship, education programme which aims to create a sea change in the way businesses work with secondary schools.”