Helping hand from graduates

Swakeleys School seeks former pupils to inspire the next generation

A HILLINGDON secondary school is seeking former students who can inspire and motivate the current generation.

Swakeleys School for Girls and sixth form in Clifton Gardens is one of nearly 400 which has registered with the education charity Future First, would like to set up networks of former students whose talents they can harness to support today’s students.

Future First’s vision is that every state school or college should be supported by a thriving, engaged alumni community that helps it to do more for its students.

More than 100,000 former students across Britain have already signed up to stay connected with their old school. They are inspiring young people in a number of ways; as career and education role models, mentors or e-mentors, work experience providers, governors, donors or fundraisers.

The school is keen to contact former students who left recently for further or higher education as well as those in established careers, alumni who live nearby and those who have moved away.

Alex Shapland-Howes, of Future First, said: “More than 39 per cent of state school students don’t know anyone in a job they’d like to do.

“If they see that someone who went to the same school, grew up in the same community, has achieved a fulfilling and satisfying job, it helps them see it’s possible for them too.

“It’s really important for all students to be motivated to succeed in the working world and hearing first hand from relatable people in interesting jobs can make a huge difference.”

Andy Hull, head of Sixth Form said: “We signed up to Future First’s scheme straightaway. A network of past students with all their valuable experience will be vital in helping us to broaden students’ horizons.”

Email office@swakeleys. org.uk or sign up at www. futurefirst.org.uk and click on the ‘Former Students’ links to join the scheme.