A Fleetwood school has chalked up a record number of pupils signing up for a BTEC national services qualification.

Twenty four Rossall School students have enlisted for the BTEC First Diploma in Public Services, which is designed as a preparation for anyone inclined towards a career in the armed forces.

The figure is up on last year, which saw 18 students take the course and it indicates a renewed interest in public service positions, despite the negative publicity in recent years surrounding the conflicts involving our armed forces around the world.

Te BTEC Diploma equates to four GCSEs, A*-C grade and is said to be suited to intelligent students who enjoy the more physical or practical aspects of life.

It is running at Rossall alongside the Duke of Edinburgh Award and although not exclusively for members of the school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF), has attracted many pupils from its ranks, due to its synergy with CCF activity.

Commenting on the increased numbers, Rossall School CCF Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Commander, Jane Mercer said: “Perhaps it’s the physical aspects of the course work or the life and leadership skills it teaches that have made it increasingly popular with students.

"Whatever the reason, it is tremendous to see so many young people opting for this vocational qualification, which is excellent preparation for any of the services, should students wish to consider them as a career path.

"However, it isn’t just for prospective service personnel and I believe any student will gain greatly from the experience, whatever they decide to do after school.”

BTEC units focus on areas designed to give students a basic understanding of the skills and knowledge necessary for life in public service.

Along the way the students will also benefit from sports activity, fitness, map-work, navigation, driving and the course enables them to learn about modern society, while also developing communications skills and personal confidence.

Rossall School has a long affinity with the armed forces, and its tri-service CCF is the oldest in Britain, even pre-dating that of Eton.

The school’s CCF has close links with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.