We recently welcomed Year 9 students from our fellow Stamford Park Trust schools, Rayner Stephens and Longdendale for the bespoke Stamford Park Trust Aspirations programme.

The day started with a welcome from the Trust's CEO, Anton McGrath followed by a talk from Ashton's Director of Curriculum and Progression, Rachel Smirke on Opportunities and Progression, and a talk from our Admissions & Liaison Manager, Sarah Nolan on Choices and Options.

Students then split off into groups and participated in various sessions focusing on Employability and Opportunities, which included: Realising Aspiration - our university preparation programme - with Alex Noble, Careers with our Careers Advisors, Deborah and Lindsey and Employability skills, drive and motivation with Lee Mason, a Governor for Rayner Stephens.

Each session covered the endless opportunities, careers and pathways there for students once they leave school. Students left feeling very motivated about their future after the sessions and getting a taste of life at Ashton Sixth Form College. 

A handful of students participated in sessions with The XL Academy team. Their sessions included a welcome to The XL Academy with the head of the programme, Damian Windle, a treasure hunt around college and a workshop on memory.

We look forward to our next SPT Aspirations event with Rayner Stephens and Longdendale.