Business people are becoming part-time 'teachers' to help local schoolchildren achieve better exam results, writes Julian Dancer.
The first of them moved into secondary schools on Monday after undergoing training and suitability screening.
The project aims to boost youngsters' confidence and encourage them to develop new ambitions and skills.
The scheme began earlier this year after concerns that pupils were under-achieving in GCSEs. Oxfordshire education department, North Oxfordshire College, Cherwell District Council chief executive Grahame Handley, and heads at Banbury secondary schools appealed for volunteers and 400 workers from 90 companies will now spend an hour or more a month helping pupils complete two-year GCSE courses.
Among companies providing mentors are Vodafone, Alex Lawrie and Cherwell District Council. Smaller firms have also played a part and MP Tony Baldry has volunteered.
Mr Handley said: "Many school-leavers do not realise that skills need updating throughout the working life. They will see how businesses operate and learn that absenteeism, which is common in schools, is not acceptable in the workplace."
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