A WREXHAM school for youngsters with complex learning and development needs retains a prestigious status.

St Christopher's School has been revealed as a Centre of Excellence by the Leadership Skills Foundation. As a centre which received the award for 2023/24, retaining the status marks a significant achievement for the school, which has again demonstrated a commitment to embedding the development of these essential skills into its curriculum for 14 years.

With 38 centres selected and only 17 retaining their status from the 23/24 academic year for the 2024-25 academic year from the 2,500 plus that the Leadership Skills Foundation (LSF) works with annually, the accomplishment is testament to the work of staff and students that deliver and follow the courses.

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Their work within the school and community using the sports leaders qualifications Level 1 to Level 3 has resulted in lasting impact across the school and community, with more than 40 Students benefitting from these qualifications and well over 100 attending weekly and term activities in the school and community.

Glyn Jones, LSF Sports Leaders CCM and tutor, said: "Leadership Skills Foundation Sports leaders qualifications has given so many of our students valuable skills they can take into their future education and work. The confidence is evident to see and it transforms the lives of the students that follow the courses."

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The Centre of Excellence title was launched in 2023/24 and is presented to organisations that demonstrate a deeply held commitment to developing essential leadership skills in their learners to help them prepare for work and for life.

To be considered, centres must adhere to a comprehensive list of criteria, including: a commitment to effective leadership practices, pathways for leadership throughout the school community, fostering a positive school culture, implementing innovative leadership strategies and maintaining high standards of learner performance.

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Richard Norman, chief executive for the LSF, said: "We are delighted to recognise St Christopher's school by continuing their recognition as a Centre of Excellence for the coming academic year. We believe every young person should have access to opportunities to develop the skills they need to positively influence their future and their communities.

"Across the 2,500 centres we work with, St Christopher's continues to offer an incredible experience for its students to develop essential leadership skills and it is a privilege to work with them. We can't wait to see how they continue to build on their excellence status."

St Christopher's School, which supports pupils pupils aged six to 19-years-old, plans to build on this work by developing opportunities to extend leadership within the school and community and work with outside agencies to plan and deliver experiences for the local schools in the area.