Preparing students for the outside world is one of Gordano School’s key objectives and its partnership scheme is taking its efforts to the next level.

The Portishead secondary school has teamed up with dozens of local, national and international businesses for its Gordano Business Partnership scheme.

Created in 2015, it has grown and 2017 is set to be its biggest year yet, with about 40 companies involved.

The partnership has seen some students carry out work experience, while company experts have been into the school to speak to pupils and give careers advice.

Tim Monelle, the school’s head of communications, said: “Many businesses want to give to the community and invest in it, but sometimes they are not sure where to start.

“Gordano Business Partnership was set up as a way of connecting business with education.

“The scheme links businesses to the school in a series of career-focussed events across the academic year. Our aim is to provide students with a rounded educational journey and bridge the gap between education and employment.

“Over the past two years, businesses have been involved in providing career advice, work experience, motivational talks, donations of school equipment, and attending networking events.

“Our business partnerships enable us to raise aspirations and inspire students and offer a unique insight into the world of work.”

McDonald’s, Hargreaves Lansdown, Lloyds Bank, Aldi and Alliance Homes are among the business who have been involved in different ways. Aldi, for example, donated money towards gardening equipment and judged a great Gordano bake-off challenge.

Louise Swain, Alliance Homes’ chief executive said: “We have been supporting the students at Gordano for a while now with interview skills and careers’ days, so it’s great to take it a step further and become a business partner.

“It’s totally in line with our partnership approach to working and links in with the many projects we run to get local people into work by helping them with training, confidence and skills building.”

Businesses willing to be involved can call 01275 842606.