FIFTEEN students at Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio School have been awarded the level one qualification in ‘The Principles of Money’ course from the Institute of Financial Services (IFS).

They will now progress to study more advanced techniques at level two.

The studio is accredited to deliver a range of banking and financial sector professional qualifications from the IFS.

In addition, computer science and IT sector qualifications are on offer from the The Chartered Institute for IT (BCS) and the digital creative media pathway offers professional qualifications from Microsoft and Adobe. The studio has also been fully accredited by the Association of Accounting Technicians which leads to students being fast-tracked and The Studio will also shortly be adding professional qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Principal Ruth Bradbury said: “The range of professional courses on offer at makes students more attractive to potential employers and able to command higher starting salaries.

Combined with an innovative GCSE and A Level curriculum and weekly professional placements with organisations such as Forbes Solicitors, Crown Paints and MDA Marketing, the studio gives students the edge in their quest for their dream career or university place.”