World Class

Students to join life-changing mentor scheme

Two students from West Derby School in Liverpool have been selected to take part in a life-changing mentoring scheme with a world-class athlete mentor.
Dean Jones and Terry Blankson have been chosen for the AQA Unlocking Potential programme, run by exam board AQA and the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust.
Former British Skateboarding Champion and European Champion, Neil Danns will mentor the young people. The school is one of 28 on this year’s programme, selected from 100 applicants.
AQA Unlocking Potential provides mentoring for young people aged 14 to 19 who have faced personal challenges or disadvantages.
Students are paired with specially trained mentors who have competed at world-class sporting events – including the Olympics and Paralympics – and have overcome their own significant personal challenges.
Neil Danns will provide personal mentoring for the students over eight months to help unlock hidden attitudes and skills. He’ll also help the students to deliver a community project towards the end of the programme.
Miss Parker, English teacher at the school said: “This is an amazing opportunity for our students. Both boys are incredibly honoured to be taking part in such a beneficial programme and are looking forward to making a difference in their community. We feel very lucky to be working with Neil!”