Launch of “inspirational” Blue Skies Programme

Fifteen St Aldhelm’s Academy pupils have been officially welcomed onto the Jon Egging Blue Skies Programme.

During the next three years Blue Skies will seek to widen the horizons of the group of students by helping them to develop their life and work skills.

It will also expose them to a host of military experiences and facilities that most of us never see – such as the flight simulators at Boscombe Down and the elite Test Pilot School.

The Jon Egging Trust was launched following the tragic death of Red Arrows pilot Flt Lt Jon Egging at the Bournemouth Air Festival in 2011.

It supports young people who find themselves in difficult circumstances, helping them to overcome adversity and achieve their full potential.

St Aldhelm’s Academy is the only Poole school to benefit from the programme this year. Most of the participants are in Year 9 but the cohort also includes some Year 8 pupils.

Kaye Jackson, the Trust’s Youth Liaison Officer for Dorset, said: “The group will take part in Level One of the programme between February and July this year.

“They will enjoy a range of visits and activities linked to aviation, engineering and science but all designed to boost their confidence, enhance their presentational skills and inspire them to think about their futures.

“In Level Three in 2018, the pupils will also take part in a week-long work placement.”

St Aldhelm’s Associate Principal Sian Thomas, said: “This will be a phenomenal experience for these young people and one which we hope will see their confidence and aspirations soar.”