Former pupils from a Haverhill secondary school are being asked to go back to the classroom to inspire current students.

East Anglian Daily Times: Future First wants old students of Samuel Ward Academy in Haverhill to reconnect Picture: FUTURE FIRSTFuture First wants old students of Samuel Ward Academy in Haverhill to reconnect Picture: FUTURE FIRST (Image: Archant)

Past and present students from Samuel Ward Academy, in Chalkstone Way, have joined a programme run by national education charity Future First – which helps state schools and colleges develop ‘old school tie’ networks.

This allows current students to harness the talents and experience of school alumni.

The former students will return to volunteer at assemblies and workshops designed to motivate young people and broaden their career horizons.

More than 226,000 former students nationwide have already signed up to stay connected with their old school to motivate young people as career and education role models, mentors, work experience providers, governors and fundraisers.

Samuel Ward Academy wants to contact former students in established careers and recent leavers in further education, alumni who live nearby and those who have moved away.

Kerrie Cavilla Perkins, associate senior leader of the aspiration programme, said: “Future First is exactly what we need to formalise existing teacher/alumni relationships and ensure that our pupils have a diverse range of relatable role models.”

Matt Lent, chief executive officer of Future First said: “Students cannot be what they cannot see. It is vital to open their eyes to opportunities beyond their own world and show them the range of jobs available.

“Alumni help schools do this by acting as relatable positive role models. If a student sees someone who has the same background has gone on to achieve success, they are far more likely to think they can too.”

Former students can contact Ms Cavilla Perkins on KCavilla@samuelward.co.uk and former students can also register with Future First by clicking the ‘For former students’ link on the website www.futurefirst.org.uk