A SCHEME which helps boost sport in Herefordshire schools through an apprenticeship programme is back for the coming academic year.

The PE and school sport apprenticeship programme was launched across Herefordshire by Stride Active last September.

There are already 12 schools signed up to the programme, covering the whole of the county.

There are a range of high schools, primary schools and federations who are all seeking a PE apprentice to help young people within their school become more physically active and engaged in PE.

The programme provides an exciting opportunity for anyone aged over-17 to work in schools, supporting the delivery or PE, extra-curricular clubs, health and physical activity initiatives.

It will allow apprentices to develop new skills to support a future career in teaching, coaching or delivering physical activity.

The scheme allows people to develop experience of working in education and sport, whilst also studying towards a Level Three qualification (equivalent to A Levels).

The apprenticeship is an ideal opportunity for a range of people; it could be for a young person finishing college or university and wanting to gain experience in teaching, or perhaps someone who is considering a career change.

Schools release apprentices for one day each week, where they will be taught and mentored by an experienced Herefordshire PE teacher.

For the remaining four days, apprentices will support a range of activities, lessons and interventions within the school.

Apprentices who have taken part in the programme this year have been extremely positive about their experiences.

To find out more from our current apprentices, or to apply to become an apprentice for the coming academic year, please visit: https://strideactive.org/education/pe-apprenticeship/ or get in touch with the team by emailing hello@strideactive.org

Meanwhile, the Herefordshire Virtual School Games took place with its second round of activities recently.

Primary school pupils took part in the 'ball aim challenge' with Goodrich PS winning ahead of Ashperton PS in second and Trinity PS third.

Secondary school pupils took part in the 'keepy-uppies challenge' with St Mary's RC HS winning ahead of Wigmore HS in second and Kingstone HS taking third.

Meanwhile the 'balloon keepy-uppies challenge' was won by Ashperton PS.

The netball challenge is next for pupils to take part in with a range of challenges for different age groups.