SOME pupils had an unusual summer holiday — they went back to school.

More than 50 young people from across East Ayrshire attended the four week summer programme which was designed to prepare them for life after leaving school.

Now in its fourth year the scheme, for 15 to 18-year-olds, was a collaboration of East and South Council’s employability and skills teams along with other partners.

These included Skills Development Scotland and Street League, both of whom contributed greatly to the day-to-day delivery of the programmes.

East Ayrshire Council’s transition co-ordinator Margorie Harvie said: “This has been a great example of what we can achieve in Ayrshire. Seeing so many young people over the summer reach a positive destination has been amazing.”

Many of the students enjoyed their experience that they decided to stay, with around 30 starting courses there in August.

Fiona Lees, East Ayrshire Council’s Chief Executive, said: “It was a real privilege to be involved with the summer programme, and to see how it goes from strength to strength every year. Listening to the young people and hearing their stories has been fantastic. It’s all about working in partnership.”