Destinations & Alumni – Heights Blackburn

Destinations & Outcomes

Learners at The Heights have progressed onto a range of Destinations, including Local Colleges, Apprenticeships, Traineeships and entering the world of work. At The Heights we continue to support Learners once they have progressed onto their chosen Post 16 pathway.

Our Pupils Destinations are aspiration led, we encourage our pupils to access a wide range of courses and subjects to meet their needs and aspirations.

The 2025 School Leavers progressed onto a range of post secondary options, detail of which can be found below (Data Correct as of January 2026) .

At the end of the school year all year 11 leavers had secured at least 1 destination, meaning 100% of learners had places at college or at a post 16 providers

Following our Sustained check in during January 2026, learners have sustained there destination, those who have been identified at NEET have been signposted and referred for additional support as an where needed:

100% of the cohort (41 of 41 Learners) enrolled onto Post 16 options (Including College or Apprenticeship).
32 pupil enrolled at a local college and are still on the course as of January 2026
2 pupils are employed with Training via a local Training provider
1 pupil is on the King’s Trust programme
4 pupils have enrolled and are currently studying towards an Apprenticeship
2 pupils have been identified as NEET – additional support has been put in place and external agencies have been referred too.

The above data is reviewed in accordance to the school destinations procedure (copies of this are available from the school’s Careers Leader).

As in previous years, our learners have progressed onto a wide range of subjects including but not limited to; Hair & Beauty, Construction, Art & Design, Business Studies and Sport Studies.

If any mainstream providers require any further information regarding their pupils, they can Contact Mr Doohan via email.

Alumni

At The Heights, we are very proud of our student achievement at Post 16 level, we encourage ex students to become part of our Alumni Network which is overseen by our School Careers Leader; Mr Doohan. If any student’s would like to be part of our Network they can contact Mr Doohan via email at ross.doohan@theheightsfreeschool.org or via the School’s Careers Twitter page @TheHeightsCEIAG.

Below are just some of our Student Success stories:

Alyssa (2021 Alumni)

Alyssa left the Heights in 2021 and enrolled at Bolton College having completed her first year, Alyssa made the decision in January 2022 to move into employment where she was successful in securing an Apprenticeship (Level 3) as a Beauty Technician in a local Salon in Darwen.

Will (2021 Alumni)

After Leaving The Heights in 2021, Will enrolled at Burnley College on Level 1 Carpentry & Joinery, he soon progressed onto Level 2 within his first year, alongside his studies he worked with family members doing Landscape gardening.

Speaking with Will and his family in May 2024, Will has recently qualified as a Tree Surgeon and has ambitions to use his skills and develop this into his own business.

Poppy (2022 Alumni)

After Leaving The Heights in 2022, Poppy enrolled onto a Hair & Beauty at the College alongside working at local Hair Salon (Arlene’s) which she sourced as part of her work experience placement in year 10 whilst at The Heights.

Speaking to Poppy and her family in May 2024, Poppy is doing well and still working at Arlene’s Salon in Blackburn. Poppy has plans to work as an Airline steward in the future.

Callum (2022 Alumni)

In September 2022, Callum enrolled at Blackburn College doing Plumbing at Level 1 after leaving The Heights and enjoyed the practical aspect of college life and study.

Speaking with Callum & his Family in May 2024, Callum has recently passed his Level 2 Plumbing course and is moving onto Level 3 in September 2024, he is also working as a groundman alongside his studies, with aspirations of using his new found skills as a qualified Plumber in the future.

Joshua (2022 Alumni)

Josh originally enrolled onto Level 3 Sports studies on leaving school in July 2022, however moved onto Level 2 to gain further experience in the subject. Josh has enjoyed the course so far and aims to move onto the next stage of the Programme.

Speaking with Josh and his Family, he is currently working part-time alongside his studies at Blackburn Rovers and is in the process of planning his next steps.

Kayla (2022 Alumni)

After Leaving The Heights in 2022, Kayla enrolled at Blackburn College doing Level 3 Public Services, with the ambitions of joining the army or the police. Kayla enjoyed her first year of college achieving Distinctions in her assignments working part time alongside her studies at a local bakery.

Speaking with Kayla and her Family in May 2024, Kayla is in her final phase of college with only a handful of assignments left, with ambitions of achieving top grades. Kayla is making plans to join the army or the Navy after her results.

Zak (2023 Alumni)

After Leaving The Heights in 2023, Zak enrolled at Blackburn Rovers Sports College on a Level 2 Sports course, with the hope of moving on to a higher level qualification the following year. Speaking to Zak at the end of May 2024 he is currently in his final phase of his level 2 course and has been enjoying the programme. With hopes of moving onto the Level 3 course in September, he looks forward to continuing his studies at the College.

Bradley (2023 Alumni)

Having enrolled at Myerscough College in September 2023, Bradley spent his first year working on the agriculture programme. Bradley has now moved onto working full time at a local Garage as a trainee Mechanic, with plans to convert this into an apprenticeship in September 2024 with the support of a local training provider.

Information coming soon! (2024 Alumni)

“The culture and ethos of the school encourages a caring and supportive environment in which learning and good behaviour can flourish.”

Ofsted