The new half term started in a hugely positive way for our U6th today as OS President Chris Forster (MJH,SuH, 82-90) introduced them to the benefits of their imminent graduation from College pupil to Old Stortfordian. Taking part in the ‘Life Hacks for University and Beyond’ week, organised by Head of Sixth Form Katie Banks, Chris was the first of numerous OS who will be coming on campus this week to share their experiences of University and different careers and also sharing invaluable life skills with the Class of 2021. We are incredibly grateful to the OS President and all the OS for volunteering their time this week as the U6th prepare to take their next steps in life.

Chris shared memories of his time at the College, where he was most at home in the swimming pool and his hugely successful Accountancy career journey at high profile companies such as Lloyd’s of London, foreign exchange brokers and on to being Head of Finance at Emirates Stadium. Outside financial circles Chris is best known for his role as lead pyrotechnician at Essex Pyrotechnics where he has fired the display at Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Club for the past 17 years and where he takes great pride in firing the maroons from Castle Mound annually on Remembrance Day.

Chris explained that their relationship with the College lasts a lifetime, not just until the end of their U6th. When they leave the campus for the last time as pupils they are joining a thriving community of Old Stortfordians who they can connect with socially and professionally as they strive towards achieving their future career aspirations. 

Chris animatedly shared the history of the Old Stortfordian Society and the benefits to our Class of 2021 of registering as members of the Stortfordian Foundation. Speaking right to the core of his audience’s interests, Chris detailed the diverse and invaluable mentoring opportunities that exist within our hugely supportive Alumni community for those that reach out for help and support. 

The Stortfordian Foundation is here to support young alumni in numerous ways as they embark on their next adventures in life - perhaps they want to reach out to OS at the Uni they are heading off to, play in an OS sporting fixture, make industry contacts before a big interview or before they start a job or even just see if any friendly OS live in a city they are travelling to. Being a member of the Foundation online portal can help them achieve all those things.

After the most extraordinary of Sixth Form experiences over the past two years, we wish the Class of 2021 every success and happiness in their next adventure, wherever it may take them – we look forward to keeping in touch and to welcoming them back in a few years time to share their experiences and advice with future leavers!

If you are an OS or current or former Parent and are interested in signing up as a Mentor via the Stortfordian Foundation please visit our careers pages here.