EDUCATION Secretary Nicky Morgan has praised two Halton schools for the ‘character education and life skills’ they provide for their students.

Nicky Morgan singled out Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy in Runcorn and Ormiston Chadwick in Widnes for their extra-curricular activities.

Speaking at Ormiston Academies Trust’s annual conference, she said: “I was very impressed to hear that Ormiston Bolingbroke Academy offers more than 100 different enrichment activities a week and that at Ormiston Chadwick every single member of staff runs at least one enrichment activity every week.

“These sorts of schemes are crucial if young people are going to leave school with not just academic qualifications but with other life skills that set them up to succeed.”

She said the government has invested £5 million in character building work experience programmes, competitive sport and promoting organisations like cadets and scouts.

She added: “I want all pupils to be well-rounded, confident, resilient and happy so they can all realise their potential.”

Professor Toby Salt, chief executive of Ormiston Academies Trust, said the trust is already recruiting new regional enrichment champions.

This will ensure that every pupil will have the opportunity of a residential activity or field trip, attend live theatre and classical music and watch top level live sport being played.

Children will also take part in competitive sports and team games.

He said: “It means our students leave us not only with great exam results, but as well-rounded citizens who have had opportunities in the arts, sport, volunteering, fundraising, and educational and international trips.

“This is the blend that catches the eyes of universities and of employers.”

“We have a reputation as a trust that makes a hugely positive difference to our students.