Seeking Male Mentors for Groundbreaking GOAT Boys Programme

Abbey College is searching for volunteer male mentors as we proudly become one of only a small number of schools in the UK to launch the GOAT Boys Mentoring Programme. We're inviting members of the local community to get involved and help make a lasting difference to the lives of young people.

The programme is designed to inspire, support and empower young men through positive mentoring and real-life role models. Based around the values of Growth, Ownership, Attitude and Tenacity (GOAT), it helps students build confidence, resilience and essential life skills, while encouraging them to make positive choices both in school and beyond.

The success of the programme has been driven by growing national concern about the challenges facing boys and young men. Reports such as Lost Boys: State of a Nation and Gareth Southgate: Changing the Game for Young Men have highlighted concerns around boys’ educational outcomes, wellbeing and future prospects, while wider public conversations have shone a spotlight on the pressures many young men face today.

We are committed to being proactive in supporting our students and ensuring they have the confidence, skills and support they need to thrive.

We are recruiting volunteer male mentors aged 18 and over from across the local area. Over six evening sessions, mentors will work with small groups of students through discussions, practical activities and a community project supporting a local charity or wider community initiative.

No previous mentoring experience is required. We are looking for positive role models who are good listeners and passionate about helping young people realise their potential. Full guidance, support and safeguarding training will be provided, with all mentors subject to appropriate DBS and safeguarding checks.

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor is encouraged to complete the registration form to receive more information or register their interest - GOAT Boys Mentoring Programme @ Abbey College – Fill out form. We will contact everyone who registers their details in September with further information about the programme and the next steps.

Andy Christoforou, Headteacher of Abbey College, said: “We are incredibly proud of our students at Abbey College. They are happy, kind and friendly young people, and we are committed to providing them with the support, guidance and opportunities they need to flourish.

“Across the country, there is growing awareness of the challenges facing boys and young men, from wellbeing and confidence to future aspirations and opportunities. We want to ensure our students are aware of these wider conversations and feel equipped to navigate any challenges they may face throughout their lives.

“We are calling on members of our local community to get involved and become mentors through the GOAT Programme. By sharing their experiences, offering guidance and building meaningful connections with our students, mentors can play an important role in inspiring confidence, ambition and resilience in the next generation of young men. A small commitment of time will make a lasting difference to the lives of young people in our community.”

We hope to attract mentors from a wide range of backgrounds, including local businesses, emergency services, the armed forces, healthcare, education, trades, sports clubs, universities, charities and retired professionals. By bringing together people with diverse experiences, the programme aims to help students broaden their horizons and see the many pathways available to them.