A Marlow secondary school has called on the help of the town’s businesses after its careers advice service suffered major budget cuts.

Staff at Great Marlow School met with the Chamber of Commerce on Monday night at the school on Bobmore Lane hoping to establish alternative ways students can get essential careers advice.

This this came after the school's Connexions service – which is government run - was reduced from 43 days for year 11 students to just 11 days, urging staff to call on help from Marlow’s businesses.

According to the Chamber, young people often leave school lacking workplace knowledge, and struggle with basic office skills.

Head teacher at Great Marlow, Geralyn Wilson, said: “The students are crying out for having real experience even if it is just for a few days it can demonstrate to them what the world of work is like.

“Young people need professional experience. It is such a privilege to work with them and that is why we do it. But they need to see what real life is about.”

Staff said there has been a lot of positive feedback, and stressed there are a range of ways businesses can help including apprenticeships, work based learning, offering interview techniques and attend careers fairs at the school.