Fortrose Academy Leads the Way With National Entitlement Cards

Pupils attending Fortrose Academy are the first in the Highlands to benefit from the High Life ~ Young Scot National Entitlement Card, which enables them to access school meals, library services, leisure facilities and public transport via one card.

Other secondary schools in Highland will follow before the end of this current school session in June and the intention is then to offer it to Primary 7s and other educational establishments.

Mike Jones the Senior Youth Development Officer responsible for co-ordinating the issue of young persons’ National Entitlement Cards across the Highlands, said: “A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to develop the available Information Technology so that the process is as easy as possible for everyone concerned. Fortrose has been particularly supportive in helping us test the process.”

Alistair Ferns, Deputy Head Teacher at Fortrose Academy said: “We are delighted to have worked with our colleagues in the youth section of the Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service to offer our pupils a single application card that will enable them to access school meals; libraries; leisure centres and transport and in time other entitlements.”

All young people who want a card are able to access one and different options have been developed depending on their circumstances. Schools can only issue them in bulk. However, Council Service Points can issue individual cards to those who missed out or changed their mind.

For further information please contact: Mike Jones, Senior Youth Development Officer, Education Culture and Sport Service, The Highland Council, Tel: 01463 702067, Email: mike.jones3@highland.gov.uk.