Year 12 students are being given the chance to experience first hand what it’s like to work with elderly patients in the community.

The 11 pupils, aged 16 or 17, from St Angela’s and St Bonaventure’s Sixth Form in Forest Gate will be carrying out volunteering work at East Ham Care Centre, as part of their chosen science courses.

The school’s Headteacher, Wayne Templeman, said: “It will give them an insight, confidence and hands on experience, and help them decide more about the paths they want their careers to take post Sixth Form.”

The NHS funded centre in Shrewsbury Road provides 24 hour care to patients aged over 65.

Some of 78 patients have dementia, are recovering from operations or have mental health issues. Their oldest patient is 103 years old.