STUDENTS at the Apollo Studio Academy in Peterlee were all smiles as they became some of the first people to pass their qualifications in the brand-new school.

The Year 13s celebrated a clean sweep of their BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Health and Social Care with 100 per cent of students passing the course.

The new school offers students different educational opportunities, with traditional exams and work-based qualifications studied in conjunction with work experience with local employers.

Students on the health and school care course achieved their qualifications with the support of the local NHS, schools and care homes, who have each contributed to students’ 100 hours of required work experience.

Apollo Studio Academy principal Sally Hudson said: “This is a fantastic achievement for all the students involved.

“The staff and the students on the care courses worked really hard last year to get these results and it’s a brilliant achievement.

“The students on the health and social care course have proven that the new school is producing great results as they each now go on to study their extended diploma. “Applications are now open for September 2016 for students moving into Years 10 and 12.”

Around 20 local employers are partners of the Apollo Studio Academy, but the school is keen to find more employers who want to get involved in offering work experience and apprenticeship opportunities to young people.

To find out more about the Apollo Studio Academy visit apollostudioacademy.co.uk