A Shirebrook school was praised for working alongside local companies to help prepare its students for the world of employment when it won a prestigious business prize.

Shirebrook Academy triumphed in the Education and Business Partnership category at the East Midlands Chamber’s Derbyshire Business Awards at Derby County Football Club’s Pride Park stadium.

The awards recognised the achievements of some of the best-known names in the county’s business community.

Shirebrook Academy beat four other organisations, including Derby College and Chesterfield College, in its category, which recognised educational institutions that forge close links with businesses as part of their careers development work.

The academy has a growing programme of activities involving a range of local companies, including a comprehensive work experience scheme, mock interview events and visits to and from businesses across Derbyshire and into South Yorkshire.

Its students have also worked with representatives from the likes of Rolls-Royce, Boeing and McLaren through its partnership with the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Sheffield.

Mark Cottingham, academy principal, said: “Winning any award is a wonderful accolade but receiving this recognition from the Chamber is especially welcome because it highlights how we are helping both students and businesses to understand each other to everyone’s mutual benefit.

“It also demonstrates our commitment to showing students the possibilities that exist on our doorstep at a time when many other schools are reining in their employability activity because of funding cuts and pressures to deliver the Government’s curriculum.

“It is a challenging time to run business partnership programmes, yet we are increasing our activity.”

ABOVE: Pictured, from left, John O’Callaghan, leader of Derbyshire Education Business Partnership (DEBP), Mark Cottingham, academy assistant principal Helen Wakefield, and Tracy Horton, personal development coordinator at the academy.