Nearly 250 former students of a Bromley state school have signed up to inspire today’s students to career confidence and academic success.

The Ravensbourne School in Hayes Lane, Bromley, is one of 400 state secondaries and colleges nationwide registered with the education charity Future First to harness the experience of former students to motivate the current generation through ‘old school tie’ networks.

Alumni volunteering to support current students come from a range of careers including finance, the civil service, engineering and the police force. The school wants to contact more former students in established professions and recent leavers in further education, whether they live nearby or have moved away.

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 180,000 former students across Britain have already signed up to stay connected with their old school or college. They’re inspiring young people as career and education role models, mentors or e-mentors, work experience providers, governors and fundraisers.

Ben Rew, Assistant Headteacher said, “We signed up to Future First’s scheme straightaway. 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.”

Christine Gilbert, Executive Chair of Future First and a former Ofsted Chief Inspector, said, “Every state school student should have the opportunity to succeed in life after school, regardless of their background. If students see ‘people like me’ have succeeded, they are more likely to believe they can too. They work harder and have higher expectations of success. We want more schools to see the benefits of using their alumni as a powerful resource.”

Scott Burns, History teacher at the Ravensbourne School, is waiting to hear from former students on Sburns@ravensbourne.info. Former students can also register with Future First by clicking on the school website:www.ravensbourne.info and click on the link ‘TRS Alumni network’. Alternatively, “For Former Students” link on the website www.futurefirst.org.uk.

Other schools or colleges wishing to register with Future First should click the “For Schools and Colleges staff” link.

For further information about Future First, visit www.futurefirst.org.uk,contact Press Officer Sue Crabtree on sue@futurefirst.org.uk, Senior Communications Officer Anna Darling on anna@futurefirst.org.uk or call one of the team on 0207 239 8933. 

Based on information supplied by sue crabtree.