Our inaugural cohort of post-16 pupils are enjoying real success in the workplace.

A Supported Internship programme was introduced at Brunel School from September 2025, with the main aim being to prepare our young people for paid employment.

Pupils enrolled on the year-long programme spend the majority of their timetable in work placements, and this is supplemented by academic tuition and employability skills sessions.

We had one pupil successfully exit the programme after just a few weeks having gained full-time, paid employment in one of Torbay’s top-rated pubs/restaurants.

Another of our young people is thriving in working alongside a local electrician, who refers to them as “a real grafter”.

And there are others who have experienced a range of placements as they explore the best fit for them in the world of work.

We have received some very positive feedback from parents on what the Supported Internship programme is doing for their young people.

One parent, whose child has had a taste of work in a food store, as part of a caretaking team and at a local signwriting company, said: “It has been a great help for my son. It is helping him understand the importance of a job role and build his confidence.

“With SI Lead, Dean’s support, he is now able to comfortably meet new people and try different roles he wouldn’t have been able to do before.

“He is doing well with his academic learning each week and building up to passing his exams, which all helps towards his CV.

“It is all giving him confidence towards his next steps of going into adult life and work.”

Another parent added: “I think it has helped with my son’s confidence and maturity. It’s also great to see him excited and proud of the things he is learning.”

For more information, call Dean Stacey, SI Lead, on 01803 665522 or dstacey@brunelschool.org