Clapton academy praised as Big Society champion

Children’s minister Tim Loughton celebrated the Big Society when he visited a Lower Clapton school.

Mr Loughton was at Clapton Girls’ Academy, Laura Place, on Tuesday, to meet youngsters and present an award to law firm Linklaters for its successful Learn for Work programme.

He joined headteacher Cheryl Day in taking part in a careers carousel, an exercise that gives pupils the chance to quiz Linklaters staff about their jobs.

Mr Loughton said: “I am delighted to present Linklaters LLP with their Big Society Award on behalf of the Prime Minister.

“Thanks to significant personal and financial investment, Linklaters Learn for Work is helping to give students at Clapton Girls’ Academy the confidence and experience they need to make a big impact in the world of work.”

Accepting the award Robert Elliott, from Linklaters, said he had seen the Hackney students excel in their education.

He added: “We believe the more subtle skills developed by our Learn for Work programme complements this success and will help them stand out when they progress to further study, training or the world of work.”