Cool UK was set up in Burnley in 2005 and is helping more than 200 pupils across three centres to achieve training or qualification where they might otherwise have failed. The team, which provides a service for disengaged children, has grown from three members of staff in Burnley to 40 in two-and-a-half years.

The group, which also has centres in Trafford and Manchester, has even attracted interest in Leeds, Salford, Portsmouth and London, thanks to the skills, experience and qualifications youngsters have gained from courses, including building and construction, motor vehicle studies, hair and barbering, beauty, holistic therapies, ICT, child care and personalised learning including numeracy and literacy.

Mr Gareth Binding, of Cool UK, said: "I think we are effecting a change in the education system. We have people working with the children who are full-time professionals. It is brilliant as they learn a lot of skills and there are a whole host of opportunities for development.

"We also provide social and emotional support to help these youngsters make the transition into adulthood and the workplace."

Education advisor Mrs Caroline Potter said: "We look at how we can address their needs and respond with the appropriate learning programme and accreditation. The children come here and are willing to learn, and small groups provide them with the perfect learning environment."

Cool UK works with Connexions, The Prince's Trust, The Youth Offending Team, community provisions, the Youth Service and referring agencies.