A VALUABLE fellowship has been awarded to a member of staff at a Halesowen school to create external links to boost pupil aspiration and attainment.

Leasowes High School’s mentoring services manager Chris Bennett is one of 15 candidates nationwide to scoop £7,200 plus support from the Department for Children School and Families’ Sinnott Fellowship.

It helps outstanding practitioners further their work in developing links with agencies and voluntary groups to benefit pupils, parents and staff and allows them to share their experiences.

It also helps anchor schools at the heart of their communities and offers their students opportunities to develop wider experiences and skills to set them on the path to success.

Mr Bennett will create a programme for two days a week over two terms focusing on a range of projects and the fellowship will support him by introducing him to new contacts and resources.

Leasowes principal Neil Shaw said: “This fellowship is a wonderful accolade for Chris Bennett whose excellent work for Leasowes High School extends far beyond our gates.

“Chris gives us a sharp focus on the wider community and the links he has made with businesses through our weekly internship placements for students are exceptional. We are very excited about the work that can be done with the grant he has been awarded."