A prestigious Loughborough College event saw Education Secretary Nicky Morgan help celebrate the growing success of the College’s School Sport Apprenticeship initiative.
A key element in the double Outstanding awarded to Loughborough College for its Sport from education watchdog Ofsted, the initiative has seen a four-fold increase in participation since its launch in 2011 with more than 33 primary and secondary schools in the area now involved.
Before presenting special awards and certificates to the apprentices graduating from this year’s scheme, Nicky Morgan said Loughborough College should “be proud that you are leading the way with this initiative in the UK.
“Your School Sport Apprenticeship is improving the quality and diversity of PE teaching in schools.
“You are not only boosting children’s participation in sport, encouraging healthier lifestyles and inspiring confidence in young people but you are also offering the opportunity of an apprenticeship and a chance to take the first steps towards a rewarding career.”
Sport Development Manager at Loughborough College Rob Jarram added: “The growing success is down to head teachers across the county and Rutland talking to each other about the impact these young people are having in their schools, about how they have inspired and motivated children to get involved and to love sport.
“We are delighted to have this opportunity to celebrate the initiative and to recognise each of our apprentices and their valuable contribution.”
Loughborough College trains apprentices to assist with lessons, lead lunchtime and after-school clubs, organize and deliver competitive sport and sports event and to develop community links. Schools report an improvement in PE teaching as well as a boost in pupil sport participation and almost 60% of apprentices go on to be employed in schools with a further 30% progressing to Higher Education.
In addition to each apprentice receiving a graduation certificate, five were presented with individual prizes with the Academic Achievement Award going to Jordan Davies, the Outstanding Development Award to Michael Odiam, the PE and School Sport Award to Will Highland and the Sports Development Project of the Year to Lauren Treacy. The overall School Sport Apprentice of the Year 2014/14 went to Daniel Hutton.
The Loughborough College School Sport Apprenticeship initiative was initially piloted through funding from Leicestershire County Council and Leicester-Shire and Rutland Sport. Following the pilot and the success of the programme, this funding has been maintained and is used as a bursary for all Leicestershire schools.