FOXES Academy in Minehead has been selected to appear in the Good Schools Guide for the first time.

The academy trains young people of 16 to 25 with learning disabilities for jobs in the hospitality industry, in a fully operating hotel.

“If you’re in Minehead pop in for a drink: this is a place worth supporting,” says the guide.

Schools chosen to appear in the guide have to be exceptional. No school can pay to appear – they are chosen on merit by the guide’s editors.

“Foxes Academy shows that, with the right support and training, people with learning difficulties can contribute to the economy and find enjoyable jobs,” said Bernadette John, SEN director for the guide.

“More than half of its recent leavers are now in paid employment, when the national average for young people with similar conditions is less than seven per cent.

“One 2014 graduate is even working as an apprentice commis chef at a top hotel.”

Pupils work a couple of shifts a week in Foxes’ real hotel, serving paying guests in the restaurant and bar, catering for private functions, and looking after the 16 rooms.

The rest of the week they study for NVQs in hospitality and catering, as well as developing their maths, English and ICT skills, and learning how to live independently.

The Good Schools Guide is the largest independent guide to UK schools, covering more than 1300 good schools across both the independent and state sectors including 80 special schools. It is available from good book shops or online at www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk.