Helping boost students’ grades

Aspire 350 equips young people in years 10 and 11 with life skills and development opportunities beyond the school curriculum, whilst offering them a route into NHS careers. The project currently works with 40 students across three local secondary schools and a pupil referral unit. It’s curriculum, designed with the students, consists of weekly hour-long workshops delivered by NHS staff as well as local charities and businesses.

Since its launch in schools last February, over 50% of participating students have scored higher grades in their core subject areas.

Aspiring architect Breanna Davis had never considered a career in the NHS before taking part in the programme. Along with her fellow students, she visited St Thomas’ Hospital to see the variety of roles available within the NHS including engineering, paramedic and catering.

Following her GCSE’s, Breanna plans to sit her T-levels in digital business and then take up a career in architecture.

“The programme was quite life changing, as it gives you an experience of how hospitals work, and makes you want to think of them as a career path as well. I can now look at hospital architecture as a career path too,” said Breanna.

Once students have completed the project, they are also offered support with entry level jobs, apprenticeships and internships at the Trust, as well as being registered onto the staff bank.

With more than 350 careers available in the NHS, Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust needs people with diverse backgrounds and skills to deliver exceptional care to patients.