A PAIR of St Stephen's High pupils are flying high as they get a head start in the travel industry.

Sixth year girls Olivia Reilly and Kayla O'Connor signed up to combine their school studies with a college qualification and now their future is ready for take-off.

They will leave school with a national qualification in travel, tour guiding and airport operations from West College Scotland in Greenock as part of a growing partnership designed to give pupils opportunities in further education.

Kayla said: “As I’m in sixth year I’m only doing one subject, so it was great to be able to do a course that I’m interested in and that’s not available at school.

"It’s been really enjoyable and I’ve found it really interesting.

"I think for anyone who isn’t one hundred per cent sure about leaving school, being able to combine your Highers with the NQ college qualification is great.

"It’s made me a lot more confident about going to college after school and has given me a good insight into what I can expect.”

The course offers school pupils the chance to gain valuable experience and now both young women are ready to start a full-time course.

Olivia added: “I’ve always loved travelling and knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the industry, so being able to do this course alongside my school work has been great.

"I’ve really enjoyed the whole experience, in particular the unit on cabin crew.

"The lecturers are all lovely and have been very supportive.

"I’m looking forward to continuing my studies at West College Scotland after the summer, doing the HNC in travel and tourism.”

West College Scotland bosses say they are committed to continuing to fostering close ties with local high schools.

Lecturer Beverley Hardie said: "Working in partnership like this provides pupils with a great opportunity to get a taste for college life whilst still being able to complete their sixth year at school.

"Both girls have coped extremely well combining their school work and a full-time college course.

"I’m delighted for them and looking forward to them progressing to HNC travel and tourism in August.”