Manchester Piccadilly Station Offers Unique Railway Experience to Lancashire Autism School Students

In an inspiring initiative, Manchester Piccadilly station turned into a hands-on learning hub for eight students from Hillside Specialist School and College, a Lancashire-based school for autism, on January 24. The students, enthusiastic about railways, were given a rare opportunity to explore the inner workings of one of the North West's major stations.

The visit began with a tour of the station's Assisted Travel Lounge, a specialized area designed to support passengers with additional mobility and sensory needs. This facility showcases the station's commitment to inclusivity, ensuring a comfortable travel experience for all passengers.

Further enhancing their experience, the students entered the heart of the station's operations – the control room. Here, they witnessed the intricate process of making public announcements and the comprehensive monitoring of the safety of approximately 100,000 daily passengers.

The highlight for these budding railway enthusiasts was the hands-on experience in the Manchester Piccadilly signal box. Using Network Rail’s training simulator, the students learned the essentials of railway signalling, understanding how to control train movements safely, mirroring the responsibilities of the station's signallers.

Anthony Scott, the shift station manager, expressed his delight at hosting the Hillside School group. He noted the students' profound passion for railways, humorously mentioning how one knowledgeable pupil nearly got recruited for the nightshift!

This visit wasn't just about fun; it was also an educational journey. Emma Pettitt, assistant head at Hillside Specialist School and College, highlighted the visit's importance in exposing the pupils to potential career paths in the rail industry. This experience provided valuable insights, particularly for those students interested in railway careers.

Hillside Specialist School and College, based in Longridge, Lancashire, caters to students aged three to 19 with autism, focusing on communication and interaction. This visit is a precursor to their next educational venture – a learning day with Network Rail’s maintenance team in Preston, offering a continuation of their practical learning experience in the world of railways.

This event at Manchester Piccadilly station is not only a testament to the educational potential of practical experiences but also demonstrates the inclusivity and accessibility of the rail industry, opening doors for enthusiastic young minds to explore and possibly join in the future.