Mentors from the business world can guide and encourage students at a critical time in their education.

Southwark Education Business Alliance runs three mentoring programmes.

• Passport to success
• Secondary mentoring
• Headteacher mentoring

Mentors act as a role model and guide for the pupil, encouraging effort in school work, introducing students to the world of work and helping them to develop self-confidence and positive aspirations.

The arrangement benefits mentors too, enabling them to enhance their communication, listening and problem-solving skills.