School asks former pupils for help

Former students from a Southampton school are being asked to go back to the classroom and inspire current pupils to grasp the futures they want.

Redbridge Community School has joined a programme run by the national education charity Future First which helps state schools and colleges develop past pupil networks so they can harness the talents and experiences of alumni to support the next generation.

Former students will return to volunteer at assemblies and workshops, designed to motivate today’s pupils to broaden their job horizons and increase their chances of accessing their chosen careers regardless of their background.

Redbridge is one of a thousand state secondary schools and colleges across Britain which have worked with Future First. The charity’s vision is that every state school or college should be supported by a thriving and engaged alumni community that helps it to do more for its students.

More than 260,000 former students nationwide have already signed up to stay connected with their old school. They’re motivating young people as career and education role models, mentors, work experience providers, governors and fundraisers.

Redbridge has made a flying start since joining up with Future First at the beginning of February this year, growing their alumni community to 35 in just one month. Now the school wants to contact even more former students who’ve gone on to achieve career success and recent leavers in further education or training.

Mr J S Ashley, Headteacher. said: “We are delighted to have joined the Future First programme. A network of past students with all their valuable experience will be vital in helping us to broaden current pupils’ job horizons and equip them for the world of work.

“We’d love to hear from form Redbridge students and welcome them back to guide the next generation on to success. All they need to do to get involved is email head@redbridgeschool.co.uk.”

Lorraine Langham, Chief Executive Officer of Future First, said: “Alumni show young people a world of opportunity and a future that could be theirs. We want to give them hope for the future and the confidence and motivation they need to succeed.

“It would be wonderful if former Redbridge Community School pupils could sign up and give back to the students of today who are following in their footsteps. It will provide them with the reassurance that comes from hearing what it took for someone who sat in the very same classroom to make a success of their lives in a wide array of fields.”