Clervaux Garden School, of Croft, near Darlington wins Skills award

Clervaux Garden School, in Croft-on-Tees, was awarded a Silver Award from the Skills Builder Partnership for its focus on developing life and workplace skills through its curriculum.

Dr Michael Englard, UK CEO at Skills Builder Partnership, said: "Congratulations to Clervaux Garden School on their Skills Builder Silver Award.

"It’s been a privilege working with them as they build essential skills into the work of their school.

"We know that higher levels of essential skills translate into a greater chance of finding better work as adults, and that by explicitly developing those skills and giving young people the opportunity to practice, Clervaux Garden School is helping to ensure that one day, everyone has the essential skills to succeed."

The Skills Builder Awards, with fewer than 60 gold and silver awards presented nationally this year, celebrate schools that embed skills like teamwork, problem solving, and speaking directly into their teaching.

At Clervaux Garden School, these skills are taught alongside academic subjects to give students a broader foundation for further education and employment.

The award recognises the school's systematic approach to preparing students for adulthood, supporting older students preparing for post-16 transitions.

Essential skills are reinforced through individual learning plans, visual displays, and baseline assessments.

They are also integrated into practical experiences such as craft sessions, enterprise projects at the school shop, and practical work placements and community visits.

These structured learning pathways help students apply classroom knowledge in real-world situations and work environments.