Bad boy done good!

TRANSFORMATION ... David Platt is in line for an award after turning his life around.

How David, the unruliest kid in school, turned his life round
SUSPENDED from school six times and in trouble with the law, David Platt admits he used to be the most unruly kid in school.

But the Oldham 16 year old has turned his life round and achieved nine GCSEs on his way to becoming a sports coach, at the same time as helping other youngsters stay on the right track.

Dave is now in line to win a prestigious award from the Prince’s Trust — one of only three young people from the North-West shortlisted for the CIMA Educational Achiever of the Year award, to be awarded tomorrow night in Manchester.

The awards, now in their 10th year, recognise the achievements of young people across the region.

David was nominated after pledging to turn his life around. His fiery temper had seen him suffer six fixed-term exclusions and 24 internal exclusions at St Anne’s Academy in Middleton.

David ended up in trouble with the police - and when difficulties at home saw him move to his grandparents in Grotton, he felt his situation was hopeless.

“After I entered Year 10 it all went downhill,” he said. “I was basically the naughtiest kid in school. I started breaking the rules and they were ready to kick me out.”

Concerned his behaviour would exclude him from school permanently, he was referred to the Prince’s Trust Fairbridge programme, which gives disadvantaged young people skills and confidence to turn their lives round.

He said: “The Fairbridge programme was different. I felt I could talk to the people they’d try to help. I started going back to my real self and met my best mate there.”

David later started supporting other young people on the programme: “It felt good being able to help. It stopped me thinking about all the bad things going on in my life.”

He ws welcomed back at school and sat nine GCSEs before beginning a sports and leisure course at Bury College this year.

He said: “I’m proud of how far I’ve come. I now know that if I work hard, I can achieve much more. But it was such a surprise to be nominated for the award.”

The ceremony is at Manchester’s Comedy Store