A COLNE school is to become one of the first to adopt a focus on health as it aims to help students into employment in the industry.

Colne Primet Academy already brands itself as a career school, but now it wants to open up avenues in the health and wellbeing industry for its students.

The Dent Street school recently changed its name back from Central Pendle Academy, and now wants to use the concept of careers in health in the curriculum.

Anita Ghidotti, executive principal at Colne Primet Academy, said: “Essentially, we hope to link the academy to wider health strategies and projects in the region.

“Health is the largest employment sector in the North West and we want to ensure that our students will leave us to enrich the workforce in the area, not just as doctors, but as administrators, finance experts, physios, nurses and everything in between.

“The economy of the region is heavily dependent on key sectors. One of these is engineering and manufacturing; the other is health.

“Therefore, with close links to the outstanding Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form, we hope to be able to guide our students along solid career pathways “Our governing board is being strengthened with local and regional employers, particularly those with health backgrounds.

“Their commitment to the school will also bring further benefits such as work experience placements, opportunities for trips and visits to enrich the curriculum and mentoring. We believe every student can be whatever they want to be.

“We encourage them to aim high and to have a ‘healthy ambition’ and we are committed to providing the broadest range of opportunities and a high quality education experience.”