Raynes Park High School will become the first state school to be an accredited Tim Henman Foundation, committed to raising the dreams of young people.

The Tim Henman Foundation BECSLink Community is aimed at improving the education, health and welfare of young people disadvantaged by poverty, disability or ill health.

Tennis champion Tim Henman will be joining the school in Bushey Road on March 16 along with Mayor of Merton Marsie Skette and Olympic Gold medal field hockey player Crista Cullen.

Tim Henman OBE said: “My Foundation is delighted to be working with Raynes Park High School.

“The Foundation seeks to bring learning opportunities and inspiration to the most deserving and this represents a perfect opportunity for us.”

Kirsten Heard, Head teacher at Raynes Park High School said: “We are proud to become the first state school accredited as a BECSLink community.

“This has all been made possible through the vision of BECSLink and the Tim Henman Foundation and my team at the school.

“BECSLink’s role as the social mobility network together with their partners from national and local Merton businesses, education charities and sports and arts organisations are helping us supply outstanding resources and learning opportunities for students and teachers not only from my school but also from other local schools.

“It’s wonderful that Tim will be with us on the day and that his Foundation is playing such an important role."

The school is working alongside national and local Merton businesses, education charities and sports and arts organisation to provide resources and learning opportunities for young people.

As part of this initiative, the school has been given Tim Henman scholarships for talented youngsters who may otherwise be prevented from pursing their talents due to lack of financial means.

Mr Henman will be presenting these students with their scholarships on March 16.

The school has also been awarded a grant over three years by the Foundation to be awarded as scholarship to students.

400 schoolchildren from other Merton schools will also be visiting to participate in a range of activities in the morning.

Richard Garret, CEO of BECSLink said: “Raynes Park High School will be the leading model for us in the state sector.”

Raynes Park High School is a co-educational comprehensive school which educates around 2,500 pupils aged 11 to 19 years.

BECSLink is an organisation committed to the social mobility of young people.