FORMER students of a Rossendale school have returned to the classroom to teach the next generation.

Trainee teachers Sean Milligan and Kathy Lucas have gone back to their former high school, Alder Grange in Rawtenstall, to do their on-the-job training.

Mr Milligan and Ms Lucas, both 21, were in the first group of students to attend Alder Grange’s Sixth Form, ag6, five years ago.

As a result, they were some of the first students to take the Tomorrow’s Teachers course.

Ms Lucas said: “Alder Grange is a fantastic school and I really enjoyed my time here.

“As an ex-student I know the teaching is brilliant, which is why I chose to do my teacher training with them.

“It did feel strange coming back as a member of staff rather than a student but the staff have all been very welcoming.”

The Tomorrow’s Teachers course works with the Pennine Lancashire School Centred Initial Teacher Training in partnership with other schools in Lancashire as well as Edge Hill University where students have opportunities to tour the campus, spend time with the faculty of education and are advised on how to pursue a teaching career.

Mr Milligan said: “I’m really glad I went to Alder Grange. They’re really good at looking after you and I don’t think I’d have done as well if I’d gone somewhere else.”

They are both student ambassadors for Alder Grange and have even had classrooms named after them in honour of their return to school, The Sean Milligan Student Union Room and The Kathy Lucas Science Lab, situated in the sixth form.

Deputy headteacher Simon Varley said the trainee teachers were “excellent role models” for students .