A Clayhall school is appealing for former students who are willing to help inspire the current cohort to achieve academic success and career confidence.

Caterham High School, Caterham Avenue, is one of a thousand state secondary schools and colleges across Britain which have worked with the education charity Future First to harness the talents and experience of alumni to support current students through “old school tie” networks.

The school wants to contact former students in established careers and recent leavers in further education who can volunteer in assemblies and workshops to broaden current students’ jobs horizons and motivate students to achieve academically.

Dr Alan Atkins, Caterham 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.”

Éamonn Casey, assistant headteacher, added: “We believe that your connection with your school shouldn’t have to end when you leave, and we’re working to make that belief a reality!

“We want to make sure that as many of our former pupils as possible feel connected with the school community and can take advantage of the opportunities being part of the alumni network presents.”

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

Christine Gilbert, chairwoman 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.”

Caroline Conway is waiting to hear from former students.

Interested parties should email c.conway@ecaterham.net or visit futurefirst.org.uk.