Portsmouth group offers GCSE students a flying start to their careers

Flying Start, which was launched during the peak of the pandemic, was designed by the city council and colleges to provide a support network to Year 11 pupils unable to sit their exams due to lockdown.

Many children are anxious as to whether the grades they receive will be a true reflection of what they would have achieved.

This is because students’ grades are being calculated using a combination of teachers’ predictions and the past academic performance of schools,.

Students can use the site to contact careers advisers directly and discuss their options. A range of interactive tasks and information on further education courses and apprenticeships has also been added to help ensure all pupils take the correct career path whatever their grades.

Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member for education, Cllr Suzy Horton, said: ‘While it has been a very unusual year for Year 11s, it's really important families are aware of the support that Flying Start Portsmouth can offer.

‘We often forget the value of having someone to talk to. The team will be able to assist Year 11s and their families with helpful advice on further education, work or an apprenticeship.’

Mike Stoneman, deputy director of children, families and education, added: ‘Flying Start Portsmouth has helped many families over the last few months by offering tailored advice and supporting those most in need.

‘As we move towards September, our priority is to ensure young people have what they require in order to successfully progress after school.’

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The joint partnership initiative was set up by Portsmouth City Council, Southern Universities Network, Portsmouth College, Highbury College and Havant and South Downs College (HSDC).

Since launching Flying Start Portsmouth, the initiative has won the community impact award at the Sixth Form College Association Awards.

Pupils can access the advice and support they need via the Flying Start website.

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