A group of youngsters kicked out of school are turning their lives around - through music. DAVID MILLS went to hear their story.

A MUSIC training centre in Maple Road, Penge is offering youngsters an opportunity to get their lives back on track, helping teenagers not in education or employment find a job or get into college.

Manager James Plant says the typical profile of those who attend the centre is someone who has either been involved in a family breakdown, poverty, substance abuse or crime.

The 36-year-old said: “We take people with all sorts of breakdowns. We get them smiling again, mixing with people, and give them confidence.”

Learners at the centre can get qualifications in numeracy, literacy and music technology.

Run by training provider NTS Limited and funded by the Learning and Skills Council, the centre takes on young people referred to them by youth offending teams or Connexions, an advice centre that offers support to teenagers.

Offences by some of the youngsters at the centre range from ABH, theft, robbery and drug offences to stealing cars.

James said: “One guy we got was heavily involved in crime, I had to get him to sign special rules and regulations, where he is not allowed to talk about his crimes.

“Another tried to buy a bulletproof vest on the internet. He says he wants to improve his English, he’s never read a book in his life.

“But he’s starting to read. He's really a very bright kid.

“A lot of them suffer from this bad boy facade. We explain to them we need to drop that while in here.”

He added: “On a typical day they come in, write out in their diary what they want to achieve in that day. This could be working on fractions, writing a CV, finishing a song, having a piano lesson or researching something on the net. One day is never like another.”

Any groups or individuals interested in courses at the centre should call James on 07979693871 or e-mail jamesplant@nts-group.com

SOME OF THE YOUNGSTERS AT THE CENTRE

Molly Ryan, 15 from Mottingham says if she did not go to the music centre she would probably be out drinking.

She said: “I got expelled at the start of Year 8. I badly hurt someone and they had to go hospital, which I regret.

“This is my first bit of education in a year. You can get qualifications here which you can put on your CV. They help you get jobs and into college.”

Traci Yayo, 16, from Bromley, got expelled from school for fighting and stealing.

She said: “I didn’t care if I got kicked out. Here they talk to you like you're an adult.

“It’s giving us something to do that keeps us out of trouble. We just need more things like that.”

Cameron Macdougall, 17, from Anerley, was kicked out of four schools for behaviour problems, including throwing tables and chairs, and bullying.

He said: “It’s very helpful coming here, I’ve learnt a lot. It’s like a big family.

“If I weren’t here I’d be sat at home doing nothing.”