A SCHOOL on the outskirts of Oswestry has been shortlisted for its careers programme, advice and guidance.

Moreton Hall, in Weston Rhyn, has been named finalists in the Independent School of the Year Awards 2020 Student Careers Programme.

Moreton Hall Principal, George Budd praised the work of his head of careers Catherine Ashworth, Life Skills co-ordinator Sarah Pritchard and Senior Sixth Form Tutor and UCAS advisor Caroline Lang.

He said: “Our careers advice is truly personalised and opens every pupil’s eyes to the rainbow of options available to them.

"Something reflected by our eclectic range of leavers’ destinations – yes, two thirds go to Russell Group universities and alongside this sits Agri-Food with Marketing, Film, and Hand Embroidery.

"Exactly what Careers advice should be."

Ms Ashworth added: “It is a privilege to support young people at this pivotal moment in their lives and to support them in successfully navigating their way through the extraordinary array of opportunities available to them."

The nomination recognises one of the many in-school initiatives such as the Rylands Diploma, the school’s bespoke life skills programme through which, under the guidance of former barrister, Sarah Pritchard.

The Sixth Form girls develop a range of core skills from professionalism in the work-place to dealing with household and car maintenance.

It also celebrates the careers team’s philosophy that 'once a Moretonian, always a Moretonian', a fact acknowledged by Old Moretonian, Annabel Ward who having left in 2013 decided on a change of direction.

She said: "Six years after leaving school and finishing my first degree I decided to go back to university to study Veterinary Nursing. The first thing I did was get in contact with Moreton for support."

Lockdown was also an opportunity to share experience and create a bespoke Year 10 Careers Roadshow for pupils and parents in local state schools offering advice and guidance on A-level choices and beyond.

Shelley Robinson, enterprise coordinator for Shropshire Council, said: “This was a clear, unbiased presentation with advice from current students on the realities of studying A-levels.

“It is great that Moreton Hall is reaching out to the state secondary sector to share their expertise and knowledge.”