A national education charity is looking to trace former St Michael's Catholic High School pupils to start an alumni network.

The school in High Elms Lane, Garston, has registered with the charity Future First to set up networks of former students to inspire its current generation with skills to succeed in the working world and to join in its 60th anniversary celebrations later this year.

Alumni who have signed up to stay connected with their old school through Future First are inspiring young people in a number of ways, including as career and education role models, mentors or e-mentors, work experience providers, governors, donors or fundraisers.

Edward Conway, headteacher at St Michael's, said: "We signed up to Future First’s scheme straightaway. 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."

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 relatable people in interesting jobs can make a huge difference."

Emma Gritten, schools business manager, is waiting to hear from former students on gritten.e@stmichaelscatholichighschool.co.uk.

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