Thorns Collegiate Academy in Brierley Hill has officially launched its alumni community with Future First, taking a major step towards connecting former students with current learners and the wider school community.
The initiative allows alumni to stay informed with school news and details of open events and job opportunities. It also enables ex-students to contribute to the Academy’s career programme. Through Future First, alumni can play an active role by sharing their career journeys and insights into their current roles and journey, providing practical and inspiring guidance for students planning their futures.
The move follows the success of the Academy’s Thorns alumni Facebook page, which has attracted over 1,000 former students. The Academy is encouraging members to gradually transition to Future First, which offers a structured, interactive platform designed specifically for building and managing alumni communities.
Future First is a UK-based social mobility charity that helps state schools and college build thriving networks of alumni and volunteers. Its mission is to give young people access to knowledge, networks and real-world experiences that might otherwise be out of reach, with relatable role models demonstrating what is achievable. The platform supports both online and in-person engagement, making alumni involvement simpler and more effective.
“Alumni are our strongest advocates and remain a part of the Thorns community long after graduation,” said Nikki Jones, Principal of Thorns Collegiate Academy. “By staying connected, they offer students practical guidance from their own experiences. It’s about learning from one another and giving back, showing our learners what’s possible and what it means to carry the values of this school with you.”
The Academy plans to use Future First to gradually expand its alumni network and outreach, while ensuring former students can stay connected and help meaningfully contribute to student development. The long-term goal is to create a sustainable, engaged community of alumni supporting students throughout their academic and career journeys.
Former students of Thorns Collegiate Academy are invited to join the network via Future First. For more information or to join, visit https://www.futurefirsthub.org.uk/register/thorns-collegiate-academy