The Masonry Association is proud to announce a new partnership with Lady Manners School — a forward-thinking secondary school in Bakewell that is leading the way by offering Construction as a GCSE option.
“From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was absolutely blown away. The passion, professionalism and ambition shown by both staff and students was truly inspiring. Lady Manners School is giving young people something incredibly powerful: the opportunity to access practical, hands-on construction skills at GCSE level. At an age when many students are still discovering their strengths, this programme opens real doors into the world of construction.” Eve Livett – CEO at The Masonry Association
Creating Real Opportunities for Young People
This partnership is about much more than a qualification. It’s about building futures.
Through our collaboration, we will be:
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Bringing local and national construction employers into the school to speak directly with students about career pathways.
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Creating stronger links between employers and apprentices, helping young people move smoothly from education into industry.
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Delivering enhancement sessions for Year 10 and Year 11 students, providing deeper insight into masonry and construction careers.
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Showcasing the breadth of opportunity available within the construction sector.
By connecting students with real employers and real career pathways, we are helping them see that construction is not just a job — it is a profession with progression, pride and purpose.
Opening Doors at the Right Age
Offering Construction at GCSE level gives students a vital early introduction to practical skills, teamwork, problem-solving and industry awareness. It builds confidence. It builds ambition. And quite literally, it builds foundations for life.
The Masonry Association believes that engaging young people at secondary school age is one of the most effective ways to address the industry skills gap. When students are exposed to high-quality vocational education early on, they are better informed, more motivated and better prepared for apprenticeships and long-term careers.
A Model for Other Schools
We hope this partnership with Lady Manners School serves as a model for other secondary schools across the country.
The construction industry needs talent. Schools have talented young people. By working together — schools, industry bodies and employers — we can create clear, accessible pathways into skilled trades.
We strongly encourage other secondary schools to explore offering Construction as a GCSE option and to engage directly with industry partners. The results we have seen at Lady Manners School demonstrate just how powerful that combination can be.
This is just the beginning. We are excited about what we will build together — not just structures, but futures.
For more information about partnering with the Masonry Association, please get in touch.
