Year 11s get laptops as departing gift

Our Year 11 cohort were treated with a laptop to support their applications for college places and employment last week during our celebratory meal for them and their families to mark the end of the academic year.

As a school that grew from an informal mentoring initiative into a registered educational institution, we provided the devices to ensure each student has the practical tools needed to pursue post-16 education, training, or employment independently.

We funded the meal at the Indish restaurant in Chadderton last week, bringing together the Year 11 cohort and their families to mark the conclusion of their secondary education.

Our owner, Callum Siddall said he decision to provide each pupil with a laptop was driven entirely by practical need rather than any desire for recognition.

“They were all given a laptop, not because it will look good, but we genuinely want them to be able to do what they need now they have left,” he added. “It was never intentionally the idea to make a school — it was just about supporting children — but it has progressed with the demand and growth.”

Cody, the departing headboy, said: “My time at Chances has been really good. I have enjoyed every minute of it. When I started I was only supposed to be here for 6 weeks, that turned into 2 years, but I’m not complaining.

“Being here has helped me realise how important education is. I’ve gone from never picking up a pen to completing my GCSEs.”

Chances Mentoring began as a small, informal project to support vulnerable young people before expanding rapidly in response to growing regional demand for alternative provision placements. We became a registered school as demand outpaced our original structure.

The departing cohort holds particular significance, with a number of pupils having been with use since its earliest, less formal days.

“These Year 11s have been a special group, with some of them being with us since our early days, and seeing them grow and develop has been amazing,” Callum went on to say.

The laptops are intended to give leavers long-term independence as they move into the next stage of their lives, whether in further education, apprenticeships, or the workplace.