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Habs Aspire Mentoring Programme

A Unique Opportunity for Sixth Form Students at Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South

We are excited to introduce the Habs Aspire Mentoring Programme, a transformative initiative launching in September 2025 for all sixth-form students across Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South. 

As part of our character curriculum, The Haberdashers' Advantage, the Habs Aspire programme connects every sixth-form student with a professional mentor. This supportive and inspiring relationship aims to nurture students' academic and personal growth while helping them make confident, informed decisions about their future.

Programme Highlights:

  • Tailored Mentoring: Each student will receive at least four one-to-one online mentoring sessions in Year 12 and Year 13, designed to meet individual needs.
  • Comprehensive Support: Training and guidance will be provided to both mentors and mentees to ensure every session is engaging, high-quality, and meaningful.
  • Skill Development: Students will gain diverse skills to help them achieve excellence and prepare for life beyond school.

 We recognise that starting a mentoring programme might feel challenging for some students. That’s why our dedicated Aspire Co-ordinators, Camille Evans and Catherine Hamilton, will work closely with students to ensure the programme is seamlessly integrated into their school experience. They will also offer personalised support to every student throughout their mentoring journey.

This is a unique and exciting opportunity for sixth-form students across all Haberdashers’ Academies Trust South schools, designed to help them thrive and achieve their aspirations.

For more information or to get involved, please get in touch with our Aspire Co-ordinators at: aspire@habstrustsouth.org.uk

Interested in Becoming an Aspire Mentor?

Inspire, guide, and make a lasting impact on a young person’s journey.

We’re looking for passionate and committed professionals to join our Habs Aspire Mentoring Programme and help shape the future of our sixth-form students. If you’re eager to inspire and support a young person while gaining valuable experience yourself, we’d love to hear from you!

We are building a diverse community of mentors from various industries and backgrounds to launch this exciting initiative in September 2025.

Why Become a Mentor?

Joining the Habs Aspire Mentoring Programme comes with many benefits, including:

  • Personal Fulfilment: Gain fresh perspectives and the satisfaction of making a meaningful difference in a young person’s life and career.
  • Professional Growth: Enhance your leadership skills and showcase your achievements with a unique LinkedIn profile banner.
  • Celebration of Your Impact: Be recognised at an annual Mentor Awards Ceremony.
  • Ongoing Support: Stay informed and connected through our regular mentor newsletter, featuring programme updates and opportunities within the Trust.
  • Exclusive Opportunities: Enjoy access to events at Haberdashers’ Hall, providing valuable networking opportunities to expand your professional connections.

Becoming a Mentor

To join the programme, you must be willing to complete an enhanced DBS check through our organisation.

If you’re ready to make a difference, please sign up using the expression of interest form below.

Have questions? Check out our FAQs or contact our Aspire Co-ordinators at aspire@habstrustsouth.org.uk for more information.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the time commitment involved? 

You will have four one-hour online sessions across the academic year (Sept - July) per student you mentor. You can mentor up to four students - it is up to you! 

YOu will also need to participate in two short training webinars before starting your sessions. You can opt-in for a time that is convenient for your schedule. 

How do I prepare for the online mentoring sessions? 

There will be training webinars which will explain how to make the most of your sessions and students will have a booklet to complete to help them prepare and guide the conversation. You will be given a copy of this booklet. The Aspire Co-ordinators will be in hand if you have any questions and will support you and the students throughout the process. 

Will the sessions be recorded? 

All the sessions will be recorded for safeguarding purposes. The Aspire Co-ordinators will have access to the sessions and be monitoring them. For any safeguarding concerns please email: aspire.safeguarding@habstrustsouth.org.uk 

Will I need a DBS check? 

Yes. As you are working with young people you will have to complete an enhanced DBS with children's barred list check and subscribe to the DBS Update Service before any mentoring can take place. The cost of this DBS service is £12. If this cost is a barrier for you to mentor, please contact us. 

What do I do if I have concerns during the mentoring process? 

Please contact our Aspire Co-ordinators Camille Evans and Catherine Hamilton if you have any general concerns: aspire@habstrustsouth.org.uk. If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact us at aspire.safeguarding@habstrustsouth.org.uk straight away. 

What skills and qualifications do mentors need? 

  • passionate about supporting young people
  • strong communicators with good inter-personal skills
  • good listeners
  • flexible
  • non-judgmental
  • supportive and empathetic
  • candid and honest

 What are the benefits for mentors? 

  • The rewarding experience of shaping a young person's future
  • The chance to share expertise and reflect on your own journey 
  • Opportunities to build connections within the Haberdashers' community 
  • Develop leadership, communication, problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Mentoring experience to add to your CV/LinkedIn page
  • Exclusive access to events run by the Haberdashers' Company in the City of London 

What are the benefits for mentees? 

  • Build confidence and self-belief 
  • Explore career paths and options 
  • Gain practical advice, skills and support for life beyond Sixth Form
  • Network with industry professionals 
  • Develop communication, problem-solving and planning skills

Further information and resources

See the Mentee Code of Conduct

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