xl-ent achievement for Sandelford pupils at Prince's Trust celebration

The xl programme is aimed at 14-16 year old pupils who, due to a variety of reasons, find it challenging to achieve at school.

The ceremony recognised 180 pupils from 12 schools across the North West currently undertaking the xl programme and included special guests Derry City Manager, Stephen Kenny and radio presenter, Malachi Cush.

In Northern Ireland 17% of young people aged 16-25 have no qualifications and despite falling unemployment figures this age group are more than twice as likely to be unemployed than that of older workers.

The xl programme is one of the key interventions to help the hardest to reach young people across Northern Ireland develop the skills, confidence and motivation to make positive changes for their futures and increase their educational and employment prospects.

Niall Birthistle of The Prince’s Trust Northern Ireland Council, said: “This is a very special event for these young people as many of them just a few months ago would have found it very difficult to engage in school work or attend school at all. The social skills and confidence they develop through the xl course will set them up for life.

At the end of the course pupils receive a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award accredited by ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network) as well as their Certificates of Completion by The Prince’s Trust.