STUDENTS at two Black Country schools are waking up to the benefits of a healthy breakfast as a new partnership hopes to fuel improved exam results.

The Kingswinford School and Halesowen's Windsor High School and Sixth Form have teamed up with the Co-op for a trial which will this year see the community retailer serve-up more than 6,000 healthy breakfasts to the year 11 students during the GCSE exam period.

Stephen Lanckham, headteacher of Windsor High, said: “Every school wants the very best for their students and this support has been greatly appreciated by all students.”

Students at the Windsor Academy Trust schools have given top marks to the trial, which is providing them with bananas, breakfast bars, and cereal, as well as products from its healthy snacking range and bottled mineral water.

Guy Wimhurst, regional manager for the Co-op, said: “The students are at a key time in their journey through education.

“As a community retailer we are keen to support the schools’ work which not only raises awareness of the importance of health and well-being but also has the potential to help the students to be at their best when sitting their exams.”

Bronwyn Hedley, headteacher at The Kingswinford School, added: “It can be an extremely stressful time for the GCSE students in Year 11 and this venture supports them so well.

“They have really enjoyed the benefits.”