Abraham Moss Community School aims to build an unrivalled network of past pupils, known as alumni, in order to inspire current students.
The school, which teaches pupils from 4-16, says alumni can get involved in school life in a number of ways, including giving inspirational talks about how they found success in their chosen fields. The careers team at the school will also invite former students to act as mentors and offer opportunities for work experience placements.
Abraham Moss believes that previous pupils are the best role models and hopes many will get in touch to lend their support.
The school, which opened in 1973, with the primary site launching in 2012, numbers amongst its former students professional actors, footballers and boxers, as well as a host of successful business people and entrepreneurs.
Abraham Moss, which is rated Good by Ofsted, has secured the help of State Talking to build its alumni network, a charity that connects Greater Manchester state schools with relatable role models.
Mr Dean Stokes, Deputy Head Teacher, Abraham Moss, said: “A network of our past pupils will be a valuable resource for us to help broaden our current pupils’ future horizons and show them what might be possible for them when they leave school.
“I am looking forward to us working with as many of our alumni as possible and witnessing the impact they will have on our young people.”
Fran Kennedy, founder, State Talking, said: “State Talking works to raise the aspirations of young people in Greater Manchester.
“By introducing pupils to relatable role models, whether as school speakers or mentors, we hope to boost their chances of establishing a rewarding career and encourage them to pursue greater opportunities.
“Our mantra is ‘you can’t be what you can’t see’.
“Part of our work involves supporting state schools to set up effective alumni networks, as the most relatable role models are former pupils.
“Thanks to sponsorship from Cheadle Hulme School and Russell WBHO, we are able to offer these services to schools at no cost.”
Notable Abraham Moss alumni include super-featherweight champion boxer Zelfa Barrett, footballer Lois Maynard, who plays for the St Kitts & Nevis national team and is cousin to Marcus Rashford and actors Aneesa Zaraj, Adam Ali and Jelani D’Anguila.
Anyone wanting to register as an Abraham Moss alumnus can email info@statetalking.org
Greater Manchester state schools interested in working with State Talking to build their own alumni networks can contact info@statetalking.org