A school is signing up former students to inspire its pupils to achieve academic success and career confidence.

Lawyers, engineers and scientists are among the alumni helping to motivate present day students at Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College (NMBEC).

The college in Kensington Avenue, Thornton Heath, wants to trace more alumni so it can harness their talents and expertise as work experience providers, mentors, career and education role models and governors, fundraisers and donors.

The headteacher Amanda Compton said: "I hope our students will use this opportunity to network and interact in a way that will have a positive impact on their careers, their role as citizens and their personal lives."

NMBEC) is one of almost 400 schools and colleges across the country registered with the charity Future First to set up networks of former students.

Future First managing director Alex Shapland-Howes 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 relatable people in interesting jobs can make a huge difference.”

Anyone who can help should email Sabrina Henderson on shenderson12.306@lgflmail.org or visit the school website www.nmbec.org.uk