Partnerships


formal schooling but often they come to us speaking three or four languages. The largest group of students are from white working-class backgrounds, with families who have often lived in Dagenham for generations. Our school is not isolated from the issues


present in our wider community (such as poor mental health, deprivation and gang culture). Yet we are close enough to the financial services hub of London to see Canary Wharf from our windows – and we want our students to feel they could have a future there. James Wickes has been instrumental in making


that aspiration a reality. Soon after he began running Limitless London at Jo Richardson, we asked if he could bring some RPC representatives to a careers event. We were expecting one or two, but James sent 14 experienced senior people to carry out formal interviews with the students and give them feedback! The comfort zone of our students is to say ‘we


are from Dagenham and we are never going to be able to do that’. They don’t ‘do’ formal – whether that’s dress, language or events, and often their parents are worried about them travelling, even to London. As a school, we don’t want them to be fearful of new experiences. We want them to know and believe they can compete with anybody – and this is what Limitless London gives them. Visiting the RPC offices in London triggers the


students’ interest in career opportunities, both in the City and beyond. It also surprises and inspires them to know that people in high flying careers are approachable, and may even have come from similar backgrounds to themselves. When that reality starts to take hold, the gap between them and success starts to close in their minds. In 2019, James arranged for the Lord Chief Justice (along with three other judges from


diverse backgrounds) to speak at our school, which was incredibly exciting for students. The fact that the most senior judge in England and Wales (below, middle) was making time to talk to them was validation for their efforts and meant an awful lot. Nurturing student confidence and awareness is


VALVINE MPIANA, STUDENT


‘I clicked straight away with my


mentor. We talked a lot about careers. I explained what I


wanted to do, and she suggested paths I


should take in order to follow my dreams. Most importantly, I learnt that there are many job


opportunities out


there, and you should find out more about them before you


decide what you want to do in life.’


a process that continues throughout the year-long programme of workshops and mentoring sessions. Our students are also coached in practical skills, such as presenting and interview techniques, so that they have the necessary tools to turn their aspirations into action. James was invited to join the Jo Richardson


governing body four years ago and his input has been invaluable. He knows Dagenham of course (and went to school with one of our deputy heads) but he also brings skills and experience from the wider world that we can use to challenge existing ways of thinking and doing. He works in a really supportive way, listening and observing and then making links to what he can offer. The foundations he has put in place have led on


to more things, such as our Confidence of Class initiative, and our development of cultural capital through trips around the UK and abroad (in normal times). We’ve also set up a hardship fund for students who can’t afford the appropriate clothes for interview. We bought a suit for one of our students who had an interview at Cambridge – and he got into Homerton College! James’s work at Jo Richardson has made us realise that businesspeople are desperate to get into schools and work with students. That’s encouraged us to reach out to other companies and ask for support. As a result, our careers provision has expanded hugely, and we have a bank of people across different businesses ready and willing to give their time for free. In fact, our local football club, West Ham United, ran an Easter holiday mentoring programme with us, with a Zoom appearance by one of the players!’


42 SUMMER 2021 FundEd


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