Former primary school pupils have returned to the classroom to encourage students to think about their future.

Students who previously studied at Belmont School in Hibbert Road spoke to current Year 5 pupils about the range of jobs available after leaving school.

They challenged them to recognise stereotypes that could prevent them achieving their aspirations and helped to boost pupils’ confidence and motivation for success.

Former pupils include Michelle Grenada, a former civil servant now working in a school and Pat Maloney, a retired IT manager. Cecilia Nunn, a research co-ordinator for Google and Dina Bhudia a financial adviser.

They all returned as part of the programme run by national education charity, Future First.

Head of primary at Future First Amy Cuffley said: “It is important to engage pupils in learning about all the possibilities available in their future and to broaden their horizons early.

“The children were fascinated to hear about the former pupils’ jobs and pathways into them. They had so many interesting questions.

“One pupil said the experience made her realise you can always reach your dream if you try your hardest and never give up.”

Future First aims to support primary and secondary schools and colleges with a community of former students and has worked with more than a thousand state schools across Britain.

For more information, go to: https://networks.futurefirst.org.uk/signup/belmontprimary