Recent national discussions about strengthening engineering and technical education in schools have highlighted the importance of preparing young people with the skills employers need for the future. At All Saints Academy Plymouth, this has been a key focus for several years, with the academy developing strong partnerships with local engineering and manufacturing businesses to create meaningful opportunities for students.
All Saints Academy is an 11-16 secondary school within the Ted Wragg Trust, serving a community where many young people face significant challenges and barriers to opportunity. The academy is committed to ensuring every student leaves school equipped not only with qualifications, but with the skills, experiences and aspirations needed to succeed in Plymouth’s evolving labour market.
Engineering is one of the academy’s greatest success stories. At Key Stage 4, the Engineering Design vocational qualification is among the school’s most popular option choices and continues to deliver excellent outcomes for students. At Key Stage 3, students are introduced to real-world engineering challenges through projects designed around industry needs and employer engagement, including live design briefs inspired by local employer Princess Yachts. Across the technology curriculum, students build valuable skills in computer-aided design, manufacturing processes and product development, providing experience that mirrors modern industry practice.
A major strength of the academy’s approach is its close collaboration with local employers. Students studying Engineering Design have the opportunity to visit leading businesses including Princess Yachts, Composite Integration Ltd, Plymouth Citybus and Babcock International, giving them first-hand insight into engineering careers and workplaces.
One of the academy’s most exciting initiatives is its thriving Greenpower Racing and Engineering Club, which gives students the opportunity to design, build and race electric cars while developing practical engineering knowledge, teamwork, communication and problem-solving skills. The programme has enjoyed considerable success, with the academy’s Key Stage 3 team winning the prestigious Ford Engineering Award at four of its last five regional events and recently securing victory in a race competition. Students compete against schools from across the South West before progressing to national and international finals at Goodwood.
Building on this success, All Saints Academy is working alongside Babcock International on a pioneering scratch-built Greenpower car project. Believed to be a first for Plymouth, the collaboration will provide students with the opportunity to work on a vehicle designed and manufactured from the ground up, supported by engineering professionals from one of the region’s largest employers.
The academy is also preparing to launch an advanced robotics programme, supported through external funding, which will build on its existing robotics activities and further develop students’ technical and digital engineering skills.
Alongside curriculum innovation, careers education is another area of significant strength. The academy hosts what is believed to be one of the largest school-based careers and next steps fairs in the South West, welcoming approximately 50 employers and education providers each year. All Year 11 students participate in mock interviews with local employers and a wide range of career readiness activities aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks for careers education.
Babcock International plays an especially important role in supporting these ambitions, with graduate engineers working with students each week on engineering projects and company representatives delivering workshops on CV writing, interview preparation, applications and work experience. Next year, 12 students will undertake work experience placements with the company.
The academy is exploring opportunities to align its engineering curriculum with the future workforce needs of local industry, helping to create a strong pipeline of talent for employers across Plymouth and the wider region.
Peter Keegan, Director of Technology and Careers Education at All Saints Academy Plymouth, said:
“There is a growing national conversation about the importance of technical and engineering education. We are proud that Plymouth already has employers and schools working together to create opportunities for young people. Our aim is simple: to give students access to authentic experiences, develop the skills local employers need and help them see exciting futures for themselves within our city’s engineering and manufacturing sectors.”
Benjamin Ham, Head of Production at Babcock, said:
“At Babcock, we are passionate about inspiring the next generation of engineers and providing young people with opportunities to experience engineering in a real working environment. Our collaboration with All Saints Academy allows students to develop practical skills, build confidence and gain first-hand insight into the exciting careers available within our industry. Through projects such as Greenpower, careers activities and work experience placements, we are helping students turn their potential into future career opportunities while supporting the development of the skilled workforce our region will need in the years ahead.”
Moira Marder, CEO of the Ted Wragg Trust, said:
“We want every young person to leave our schools with the knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in the next stage of their education, employment or training. These opportunities demonstrate the power of ambitious partnerships and a curriculum that connects learning to the real world. By working closely with local employers, the academy is equipping students with valuable skills, broadening aspirations and helping young people see the exciting opportunities available to them in Plymouth and beyond.”
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