A school is calling on its former pupils to step up and help inspire its current crop of students.

Thetford Academy is running an alumni scheme in partnership with Future First and is looking for ex-students to volunteer.

The academy particularly wants to hear from alumni who are interested in giving talks about their own lives and careers, acting as mentors for current pupils, or attending careers fairs and other events.

The academy was formed when Charles Burrell and Rosemary Musker High Schools, and Thomas Paine Sixth Form combined in September 2010, with former students from all those schools welcome to volunteer.

Adrian Ball, executive principal, said: 'Our mission at Thetford Academy is to provide pupils with the education, skills and confidence to excel in any circle of society, and a big of part of that is preparing for life after school.

'There is something particularly inspiring about hearing from people from your own town and who have been through some of the same experiences. It's also fascinating for both pupils and staff to hear how things have altered both in education and in Thetford more widely.'

Thetford Academy has partnered with Future First, a charity which runs alumni schemes across the country, to put together the scheme.

'More than 39 per cent of state school students don't know anyone in a job they'd like to do,' said Alex Shapland-Howes, managing director of Future First.

'If they see that someone who went to the same school, grew up in the same community, has achieved a fulfilling and satisfying job, it helps them see it's possible for them too.

For more information about email suzannescott@inspirationtrust.org or visit www.futurefirst.org.uk