TRAINER AWARD: Martec Training is celebrating after achieving Independent Schools Status.

The Newcastle-based firm, which provides training for hundreds of young people, can now take on 14-year-olds who have been excluded or had to leave school.

It comes after Martec was rated Grade 2 or good in its latest Ofsted inspection, with inspectors praising its high standards and the way its training is matched to business requirements.

Martec, which employs about 30 people at its London Road base, provides a range of courses and apprenticeships in subjects including customer service, business administration, retail operations and warehousing. It is particularly well-known for its motor industry training.

Director Tracey Marson said: "Since the Ofsted inspection we've just been granted Independent Schools Status, and I believe we're one of the first in the area to have achieved that.

"It's very significant for us."

Martec, which currently has nearly 200 learners, was based at King Street before moving to bigger premises.

In September it will offer a business administration course for 16 to 18-year-olds, which could lead on to an apprenticeship, and also work skills programmes to learners with special needs.

From left are Elliot Burns, Zack Dale, Matthew Withington, Tamara D'Angelo, John Jones, Hannah Durber and Ashley Weavell.

Picture: Martin Brough