Staff at a specialist school in Solihull have gone back to the classroom to improve their job skills.

A total of 24 employees at Langley School – which is a specialist college for the performing arts and languages, are developing their careers thanks to Solihull College.

They have all undertaken NVQ training provided by the college in adult literacy, adult numeracy and support work in schools.

Langley head teacher Valerie Duffy-Cross said her staff were already putting their newly acquired skills and knowledge to good use.

“The resources and expertise of Solihull College is helping to change Langley in many ways. With four members of staff gaining an NVQ2 in adult literacy, 11 having embarked on their NVQ2 in adult numeracy and nine completing level 2 support work in schools qualification, staff in all areas of the school have been made aware of their own abilities and are keen for progression.”

She added: “The teamwork and camaraderie engendered in the courses are very evident and have been highly beneficial to the school community. Some staff are already using these qualifications as a route to higher qualifications.

“We are proud to work with Solihull College and grateful for their support.”

The training programmes were delivered on site by Solihull College staff in order to provide learners with a completely practical experience.

Assistant site manager at Langley School, Terri Bevan, who has been studying for a support work in schools qualification, said: “No words can describe my excitement when I held my certificates.

“I am overjoyed. It is a fantastic boost of confidence for someone who had very little belief in herself before. It is an amazing feeling to achieve something I never thought I would.”