The Skill Centre UK, which specialises in training teenagers in the construction trade had its official launch in November after opening last April. Now they expect nearly all their students to achieve their qualifications in the expected time.

Steve Denning, managing director, said: "Right from the start we have worked to our business plan which was twofold, firstly to engage with all Bucks-based schools and offer tailor-made modules to 13 to 16 year olds and secondly to develop our adult evening courses using qualified tradesmen from local businesses.

"Our school partners have been very supportive of our Aylesbury workshop and are actively involved in course planning and the application of the learning. Feedback from the students is extremely positive and the level of achievement has exceeded expectations.

"We are forecasting that 95 per cent of our learners will achieve a City and Guilds Key Skill and 80 per cent will achieve trades certification through City & Guilds over the next two years. At Skill Centre UK we also recognise learners that have delivered outstanding results through our certificate of outstanding achievement. We are very proud that four students have received this certificate in the first two terms of the year. They are the true ambassadors for Skill Centre UK."

Aylesbury Vale Secondary Support Centre head teacher David Jones said: "Working with Skill Centre as a new provider this year has been very successful in many ways. Firstly they have created a centre that sets the right environment, moreover when our young people achieve pre set goals and targets in that environment the results speak for themselves.

"Secondly, we have been great supporters of the 360 degree appraisal policy at the centre involving our school, parents and learners alike in a process that recognises achievement, and indeed how that achievement can be used to improve the prospects of our young people when entering the workplace or further education."