A SECONDARY school is seeking former students who can inspire and motivate the current generation to academic success and career confidence.

Churchfields Academy in Salcombe Grove is one of around 400 state schools across Britain to have registered with the education charity Future First to set up networks of former students or alumni 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 150,000 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, such 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 education as well as those in established careers, alumni who live nearby and those further afield.

Sandra Muir, acting principal, 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.”

Caroline Jarvis is waiting to hear from former students who can email her on cjarvis@churchfields.org.

Former students can also sign up to Future First’s alumni scheme via the website www.futurefirst.org.uk and clicking on the “Former Students” link.