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

The scheme pairs airport staff with Year 11 students, so that the staff can provide guidance and support during the pupils' GCSE year.

Ten airport staff are involved in the scheme this year, and they will be visiting Forest Hall School every fortnight to provide support.

The mentors work in a variety of roles at the airport, and offer advice and insights to pupils during their exams, as well as helping them develop life skills and career aspirations.

Many participants in the scheme have gone on to forge careers in the aviation industry.

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, added: "Since I started working at Forest Hall School, I have seen the airport mentoring grow from strength to strength.

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"The mentors start to build on developing the confidence of 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."

The airport's student mentoring scheme began in 2012, but is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year as it was unable to run for two years due to the COVID pandemic.