SUMMER leaver Lucy Penrice is making a return to Solway Community School - to fulfil her ambitions of becoming a teacher.

She has started a childcare course at Carlisle College this term and is returning to her secondary school to complete a placement.

Lucy said of Solway School: “The teachers are always there when you need them; they know you and how you learn and because it’s small everyone knows everyone and it’s such a friendly place.

“I was really pleased with my GCSE results and I’m now at Carlisle College doing a Level 3 childcare course. I think I will go on to study education and Spanish at college and become a Spanish teacher.”

She added: “I asked school if I could go back and do some work experience teaching some Spanish and they said they were delighted to have me.

“I’m back in my old Spanish classroom with Mrs Woodman who is a fantastic Spanish teacher and I’m learning such a lot.

“I think when I’m a teacher and I look back at my education I will know how lucky I was to go to Solway. Maybe I’ll even get a job there – who knows.” With such strong bonds between students and staff, Solway School is forming a new school council with plans afoot for young members to gain new qualifications and experiences during their tenures.

English teacher and council convener Josh Ratcliffe said: “The council will enable students to learn such things as banking and finance, policing, fundraising, media, politics and law from a hands on perspective.”

The council also provides a practical way for students to learn about the world around them.