LEAVING school can be as daunting as it can be exciting for pupils.

For some the transition can be overwhelming and the world outside school intimidating — and without the right guidance and support they could find themselves dropping-out of education, or employment.

Now a Bolton school is offering its young people and former pupils support up until they are 25-years-old to put them on the right track to achieve their ambitions.

Lever Park Special School in Horwich has been given £10,000 lottery funding to set up sessions to provide post-16 support to ensure its pupils receive the help they need to make the right choices when they leave school.

Headteacher Colin Roscoe said: “The success of this bid means that we will able to continue to help our pupils fulfil their potential and so they do not feel they are on their own after they leave school and have the help and support to make a success of their life.”

The money will fund weekly “drop-in” sessions for years ten and 11 but also for former pupils.

The school has been running a similar initiative since 2007, and the numbers of pupils classed as NEET — not in education, employment or training — fell from 80 per cent in 2007/08 to zero in 2008/09.

Gill Barnes, the school’s pupil destination co-ordinator, said: “Leaving school is difficult for all pupils and the amount of options facing them can be overwhelming.

“We want former pupils to be able to return to school to seek help and reassurance.

“We can help put the young people in further education, training or employment.”

As the scheme develops, the school is hoping to invite successful former pupils back to act as role models, while representatives from the colleges and Connexions as well as other organisations will visit to offer guidance.

Mrs Barnes said: “Our pupils are bright, they just need that extra support after leaving school and now that I am on the phone for them at all times. This is important to them.”

Unfortunately funding will only keep the scheme going for a year after which alternative sources of funding will have to be sought.

Mr Roscoe said: “The cost to society is more than £10,000 if young people do not carry on their education, training or eventually go into full-time employment.”

Current pupils at the school say the scheme will be vital in helping them consider their options when at 16. And they say the scheme makes school feel like a community.

Cameron Partington, aged 14, said: “ The numbers of options available for young people can be very confusing and it is good to have the support of the school after you leave and to know help is there.”

Michael Mason, aged 14, added: “This idea to help pupils and former pupils up to the age of 25 is a really good idea.

Leaving school can be a bit worrying especially when trying to get a job or going on to do more studying. Helping former pupils after they leave makes this school a real community.”