FORMER pupils of St Edmund’s Girls’ School in Salisbury are being sought to help support current students at the school.

The Laverstock school is one of more than 500 state schools across Britain which have registered with the charity Future First to set up networks of former students or alumni.

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.

Caroline Smith, assistant headteacher at St Edmund’s School said: “The main reason we signed up to Future First's scheme so readily was to enable us to build a network of past students that can provide invaluable insights into different career pathways. “This also enables us to stay in contact with past students, celebrate their achievements and invite them back to broaden current students’ horizons and help us to equip them for the world of work.”

Future First managing director Alex Shapland-Howes added: “More than 39 per cent of state school students don’t know anyone in a job they’d like to do.

“If they see that someone who went to the same school and 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.”

Former pupils interested in finding out more or wanting to become involved in celebrations for the school’s 50th anniversary of being on the Laverstock site, which takes place next year, can email csmith@st-edmunds.eu or visit www.futurefirst.org.uk