HS2 has allocated a funding grant of £72,728 to John Henry Newman Catholic School in Solihull.

The school will use the funding to upskill their students, with the goal of securing placements in voluntary and paid employment as they move through their education.

The funding will be used to offer a series of sessions that encourage career development, entrepreneurial skills, fitness sessions and confidence training.

The school received the grant as part of a Community and Environment Fund (CEF) set up by HS2 Ltd. In Solihull, nine projects have already shared £323,364 from the HS2 Funds to date, with over £10m of funding already shared between 175 projects located near the HS2 route.


Independent Chair of the HS2 Funds, Cathy Elliott, said: "The scheme proposed by John Henry Newman College is a great example of the diversity of projects supported by the HS2 Community and Environment Fund. It is vital that young people are given opportunities that expose them to higher education and the world of work, and I'm pleased that the school has been successful in securing an award.

"The HS2 Funds are still available to support local communities and businesses that are impacted by the construction of HS2."

Since opening in January 2011, John Henry Newman Catholic College has aimed to provide a stimulating curriculum, focusing on qualifications which will help secure their students places at world leading universities or prestigious apprenticeships. They plan to use the new funding package to offer their students additional extra-curricular activities that support their career and skills development, including paid placements.