Years before other British schools, the Grove Comprehensive in Market Drayton has offered all pupils, of all abilities, the opportunity to follow vocational based modules as well as academic qualifications. Headteacher Richard Arrowsmith was appointed in the mid 90's when governors realised that the curriculum was failing many students at the school. Richard, and Simon Stoneley, who is now the director of vocational education at the school, first set up a land and environment GNVQ at Walford FE College. Soon the school began offering other GNVQs on a modular basis, with individual opportunities for students to build their NVQ qualifications around a work placement. The school now offers vocational courses ranging from animal management to construction, sport, first aid, food hygiene and hairdressing.

Video Series: Vocation, Vocation, Vocation
Release Date 2005