STUDENTS learnt the link between classroom and career at an event at a Middlesbrough school.

The King's Academy, in Coulby Newham, combined parents' evening with its annual careers fair when 39 employers, training organisations, colleges and universities turned up to speak to the students.

Jackie Hurst, the academy's head of careers and work experience, said: "We have a very successful sixth form, but unlike many other schools with sixth forms we are pleased to welcome colleges offering post-16 study in order to show our students the range of options in an impartial way.

"While many of our students study A levels and go on to university, it's not for everyone. We have the full range of ability, talents and interests among our students, and we aim to help every one make the right choice for them as an individual."

Every student in Year 11 is offered a one-to-one discussion with the 0-19 careers advisory service, as well as time with staff in the academy.

King's Academy sixth former Sophie O'Rourke, 16, said: "I'm thinking about doing nursing at Northumbria University because it seems to have very good facilities and now I've found about the grades I need to get.

"It's interesting talking to people from the other universities too though to find out more about them."

Penny Laverick, multi professional careers support officer for the NHS in the North East, said: "There are more than 350 different careers within the NHS from accountancy to graphic design, plumbing apprenticeships to the more obvious clinical roles, and it's that range that we try to promote."