Celebrating 10 years of student mentoring success

London Stansted is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its successful student mentoring scheme in partnership with Forest Hall School in Stansted Mountfitchet.

The scheme, which began in 2012*, pairs airport staff with Year 11 students who provide guidance and support during their important GCSE year.

The mentors, who work in a variety of roles at the airport, offer valuable insights and advice during their exams but also help students develop important life skills and career aspirations.

This academic year, the mentoring scheme involves 10 airport staff who will visit the school every two weeks to support the students.

The scheme has proven to be hugely successful, with many past participants going on to forge successful careers in the aviation industry, a testament to the impact of the scheme.

Alex Smith, London Stansted’s Education Manager, said:

"We are incredibly proud of the 10th anniversary of our student mentoring scheme with Forest Hall School. Over the past 10 years, we have witnessed countless success stories, and it is inspiring to see the positive impact it has had on the lives of both students and airport staff. We look forward to continuing this valuable partnership and to witnessing the growth and development of the mentees in the years to come."

Tom Cox, Head of Year 11 at Forest Hall School said:

“Each year the feedback gets more and more positive regarding the airport mentoring from students, it has now become a talking point of one of the bonuses of being in Year 11. The students speak highly of their mentors and always look forward to their mentoring sessions.”

Kayleigh Trainor, Assistant Head at Forest Hall School, said:

“Since I started working at Forest Hall School, I have seen the airport mentoring grow from strength to strength. The mentors start to build on developing the confidence off our students and the students look forward to their sessions and updating their mentor on the progress they have been making. It has been an invaluable experience for many pupils.”

London Stansted is committed to supporting the local community, and the student mentoring scheme is just one example of its dedication to education and skills.

The airport's partnership with Forest Hall School demonstrates its commitment to nurturing future talent and fostering the next generation of aviation professionals.

• *The scheme began in 2012 but was unable to run for two years due to the COVID pandemic.