A SCHOOL is hoping to recruit its former students to help inspire the present generation.

Three years after celebrating its centenary, Park View Community School in Chester-le-Street is looking to persuade its alumni to go back to the classroom and encourage current pupils to achieve their goals.

The school has registered with the charity Future First, which encourages volunteers to get involved with their old school either as mentors, career role models, governors, donors or providing work experience.

During its 103-year life, the school has been known as Chester-le-Street Grammar School, The Deanery and Park View Comprehensive.

Jodie Graham, the school’s Business Development Officer, said, “We have signed up to Future First’s scheme and the prospects it will bring to Park View School.

“A network of past students with all their valuable experience will be vital in helping us to broaden current students’ jobs horizons and equip them for the world of work.

“There are many opportunities for past students to get involved from mentoring current students to re-connecting with old class friends.”

Alex Shapland-Howes, managing director of Future First, said: “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, 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 people in interesting jobs can make a huge difference.”

Former students can sign up to Future First’s alumni scheme by clicking on the “Former Students” link on the website www.futurefirst.org.uk .