TEENAGERS from a Blackburn school were honoured for their achievements during an innovative research work experience programme.

The 10 students from Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School & Sixth Form College took part in the

Mini MBA programme, which was piloted at the school, and supported by Darwen soft furnishings manufacturer Herbert Parkinson, Blackburn Rovers Community Trust and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.

Asia Ali, assistant principal, said: "Our guiding principle at TIGHS is for our young women to achieve educational excellence, have high aspirations and bene?t from outstanding opportunities.

"The programme has certainly enriched our students with all of these prospects."

The students got an insight into what happens in the boardrooms of major organisations after spending a week on a work placement and completed an individual research project which can be help them gain an extra qualification.

Ayah Shah, a Year 12 pupil at TIGHS, said: “It has been an eye-opening experience where we were able to combine both the practical and theory aspects of business and gain a variety of transferable skills that will help transition us from secondary education to the world of work.”

MP for Blackburn, Kate Hollern, was a guest at the TIGHS pupils’ Mini MBA graduation, said: "It is vital that young people engage in activities which fully prepare them for the world of work. Congratulations to all the students who have taken part, and thank you to the partners who have made this possible."

Mo Isap, named North West Enterprise Advisor of the Year recently, devised the programme together with University of Central Lancashire, TIGHS and Inspira who deliver the Enterprise Adviser Network in Lancashire.