Exeter school alumni inspire current generation

An Exeter state school has joined a nationwide campaign to inspire students to career confidence and academic success.

St James School in Summer Lane is one of nearly 400 state schools and colleges across Britain registered with the national education charity Future First to set up ‘old school tie networks’ enabling them to harness the talents of ex-students to support current students.

Former students returned to the school as part of Back to School Weekwhich called on more state students to sign up to support the current generation at their old school.

Alumni Matt Channon, studying for a PhD in Law, Holly Stone, a medical student and Radio Exe DJ Ashley Jeary returned to talk to students in Years 7 to 11 about their careers paths and the skills necessary to succeed in work. 

Assistant Headteacher, Steve Farmer, said, “It was fantastic to welcome Ashley, Holly and Matt back to St James. They all delivered fantastic presentations about their journeys since leaving us and offered excellent advice and guidance to our current students. Being former St James students really makes a difference as our current students can identify with them and start to visualise their future career paths.”

More than 150,000 former students across Britain have already signed up with Future First to stay connected with their old school. They’re 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.

“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. 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.”

Mr Farmer is waiting to hear from former students onslf@stjamesexeter.co.uk.

Former students can also sign up to Future First’salumni scheme by clicking on the “Former Students” link on the websitewww.futurefirst.org.uk

Teachers wishing to sign up another school to Future First should click the “Schools and Colleges staff” link.