Young West Sussex Students Complete Firefighter GRIT Course

Eleven young people from The Regis School and Felpham Community College have successfully completed the latest GRIT course, run by West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.

Designed to build resilience, wellbeing, and teamwork, the programme gave students aged 11-13 hands-on experience with firefighter drills, team-building challenges, first aid training, and communication exercises.

The course culminated in a pass-out parade at Bogor Regis Fire Station on Friday (21 November), where families watched the students receive their certificates from Assistant Chief Fire Officer Andy Piller.

“It was fantastic to meet our latest GRIT students and see first-hand the commitment and enthusiasm they have shown,” said Mr Piller.

“The skills, confidence, and resilience they’ve developed will serve them well in life.”

Councillor Duncan Crow, Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire & Rescue, added:

“This course shows how our fire service goes beyond emergency response to make a real difference.

"By investing in young people, we’re helping to build stronger, safer communities for the future.”

The GRIT course is part of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service’s wider Targeted Education programmes, which aim to support young people’s personal development and safety skills.

More information can be found here.