Future First's call to boost prospects for Oldham students

Future First is urging schools in the area to team up with them

Education charity Future First is urging Oldham schools to grasp the opportunity of students returning to classrooms and boost young people’s prospects for the future following the disruption of lockdown.

With evidence having emerged that the pandemic has led many young people to lose hope for the future, the charity - which works with two schools in Oldham to build thriving alumni networks - is urging other schools in the area to team up with them.

Future First’s Chief Executive, Lorraine Langham, said: “The pandemic has created turmoil in young people’s lives.

"The evidence is already there that it has knocked the confidence of many.

"With students returning to classrooms this week it is vital we take the opportunity to restore their belief so they can go on to succeed.

“The work we do with a number of schools in Oldham is now more important than ever because we connect students across the country with alumni who can be powerful, relatable role models.

"We know that these connections boost confidence, resilience and motivation to study when young people are needing it most.

“Lockdowns have also led to a widening education gap between the more privileged and more disadvantaged students, so we want to work with every state school in Oldham to make sure all pupils are given the best possible chance to go on to successful futures.”

Schools wanting to know more about how Future First could help them build thriving alumni networks and connect their students with relatable role models can find out more at: www.futurefirst.org.uk.

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