Female role models to inspire sixth form students

Some of the North East’s most successful women from across business, marketing, entertainment, law and education will mentor Hartlepool Sixth Form students as part of an exciting new partnership. 

Year 12 students from a range of A-Level and vocational subjects have joined the Girls Network programme, which aims to break down barriers to give girls greater access to opportunities whilst challenging stereotypes and building confidence in young women. 

Following an introductory session, each member of the group has been matched to a female mentor who has been carefully selected based on their individual interests and ambitions. 

Chemistry, Physics and Maths student Mia Robertson, whose mentor is Sales and Marketing Director Kizzy Riley, said: “I am really looking forward to the programme and I can’t wait to meet my mentor. When I found out she is just as passionate about music as I am, I knew we would get along well.” 

Leila Sharp, who is studying Geography, Physics and Maths, added: “This is great as girls don’t often get opportunities like this, especially being mentored by someone with a similar background to us.” 

Paige Capper, a Childcare student who will be mentored by primary school teacher Alison, said: “Once I heard more about my mentor, I felt assured because being a teacher is my career goal and I know she can offer me genuine advice for my future.” 

Throughout the year-long programme, the students will engage in regular sessions with their mentor as well as taking part in a variety of workshops, work experience, talks and networking events. 

The opportunity to join The Girls Network has been offered as part of the Personal Development programme and award-winning support Hartlepool Sixth Form provides every student to raise their aspirations and increase achievement. 

Lisa Rochnia, Student Progress and Development Manager, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to take part in a prestigious mentoring scheme offering the chance to access support from some brilliant, successful women from across our region. 

“I hope the experience fills them with confidence and a belief that they can achieve anything.” 

Mark Hughes, Head of Hartlepool Sixth Form, added: “We are delighted our Year 12 students have the opportunity to take part in this mentoring journey. 

“We believe in the Girls Network mission that all girls should be supported to realise their ambitions, to discover their self-worth, and develop their capacity to shape their world and their future.” 

The Girls Network was established in 2013 as a one-to-one mentoring scheme and now works with more than 1,000 girls each year throughout the UK, connecting them with a mentor and a network of professional female role models. 

Rosalind Stuart, The Girls Network Coordinator, said: “We are delighted to work with the incredible team at Hartlepool Sixth Form, and their drive and commitment to offer this opportunity has been brilliant. 

“The girls are getting the chance to be mentored by fantastic local women: marketeers, actresses, barristers, teachers and directors – we’ve got it all. 

“Engagement in this opportunity will set them apart for years to come, widen their horizons, create networks and forge a future of unlimited possibilities.” 

At the end of the 12 months, the students will be welcomed as a Girls Network Ambassador where they can continue to contact female professionals even when they have finished studying as they progress into their own careers.  Female role models to inspire sixth form students