Can you help to inspire the next generation?

Ashcroft High School in Crawley Green Road is one of 400 state schools across Britain working with the education charity Future First to harness the talents and experience of alumni to support today’s students through ‘old school tie’ networks.

It wants to contact alumni who can motivate and support today’s students as career and education role models, mentors, work experience providers, governors, donors and fundraisers.

The alumni network will include former students who left recently for further education and those in established careers and vocations, alumni who live nearby and those who have moved away.

More than 150,000 former students across Britain have already signed up to stay connected with their old state school.

Julie Clarke, Deputy Headteacher, said: “A network of past pupils with all their valuable experience will be vital in helping us to broaden current pupils’ jobs horizons and equip them for the world of work.”

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

Debbie Chapman, Key Stage 3 Leader, is waiting to hear from former students on [email protected]. Former students can also sign up to Future First’s alumni scheme via the website www.futurefirst.org.uk and clicking the “Former Students” link.

Schools wishing to register with Future First should click the “Schools and Colleges staff” link.