Sixth-form students at an Isle of Wight school have benefited from life-enhancing experiences thanks to a funded visit to UKSA.

The Island charity, which provides water-based adventures, education and maritime training, was able to fund 25 students from St George's School in Newport, where all pupils have additional needs. 

The group of 16-19-year-olds visited the Cowes UKSA site, enjoying an outdoor learning programme which allowed them to try activities including dinghy sailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and raft building. 

David Stephens, class teacher at St George’s School, said: “Due to the needs of our students, many of them would prefer to stay at home a lot and not want to go out and socialise. But, despite lots of fears and worries, they all joined in and took part, pushing themselves out of their comfort zone."

Despite living on the Island, many students had never been in the sea, but, with the help of UKSA instructors, their water confidence quickly grew.

The students were further inspired when greeted by former students who are now employed by UKSA.

“One student in particular who left our sixth form last year joined UKSA’s foundation programme and was an instructor for our group. It was so great for the current students to have those role models and see how those next career steps are in reach."