Lydden Hill race circuit has joined up with East Kent College (EKC) to help students obtain a better educational experience.

Pupils recently attended an open day at the track as part of an Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI) level-two motorsport maintenance course they are studying for.

In the past few months, EKC was praised for its outstanding leadership in an Ofsted report, and received a Beacon Award for internships designed for people aged 16 to 24.

This summer, K College’s campuses at Dover and Folkestone will become part of EKC.

The race track’s managing director, Willie Woods, said: “This is a great opportunity for Lydden Hill to welcome local students to come here and learn how motorsport works.

“Our ethos here is to learn from those around you, and this will fit very well with the similar approach taken by EKC." - Willie Woods

"Our ethos here is to learn from those around you, and this will fit very well with the similar approach taken by EKC.

“We really believe that by working together, we can guide and assist the students to learn about motor sport and all its facets here at a local venue.

“This is a venture that we have thought long and hard about, and we are delighted it is a reality.”

The students will learn about circuit planning, marketing, media and PR, safety, event planning and maintenance of the venue and competition cars.

Stuart Cumming, automotive programme director at EKC, said: “It is great news that we now have a partnership with Lydden Hill.

“The fact that we have a major race circuit so close, will mean we can drive the education of our students further.

“We can increase what we can offer them in terms of experience and learning for the duration of their IMI motorsport maintenance studies.”

He added: “It is terrific for students to be able to engage in several streams of motorsport at Lydden.”