Inspiring Futures at Central Foundation Boys’ School: A Conversation with Oliver Beach

At Central Foundation Boys’ School, Oliver Beach, a passionate educator, has been transforming how students view their futures by connecting them with real-life role models through impactful events. Using the F4S platform, he has created inspiring opportunities that broaden students’ horizons and help them make more informed decisions about their careers and education.

The First Step: Finding F4S

Oliver first heard about F4S through a mentor during his TeachFirst internship. After exploring the F4S platform, he booked his first event with one goal in mind:

“I wanted to create an impactful event that grabbed attention.”

For Oliver, the importance of role models cannot be overstated. He wanted to expose his students to professionals from various sectors, helping them connect classroom learning to real-world careers.

The Impact of Role Models: Stories That Resonate

The events have been a game-changer for both Oliver and his students. Role models like Alicia Navarro, CEO and Founder of Skimlinks, and Dan Quine, CTO of Songkick, have inspired students with their personal stories of perseverance, humility, and success.

Alicia Navarro’s story, shared at the first event, particularly struck a chord:

“She really inspired the children as she had a lot of experience trying things out and moving on to different things. The students could relate to her sense of perseverance and learning from setbacks.”

This message resonated far beyond the event, with students referencing her story in their business studies lessons, linking her experiences to what they were learning in the classroom.

At a second event, Dan Quine’s humility and achievements amazed students. Dan, who has worked closely with Apple’s Steve Jobs and Google’s founders, had a relatable and “you-can-do-this” attitude that instilled confidence:

“He inspired students by raising their aspirations and encouraging them to believe that ‘they can’ if they put their mind to it.”

Making It Easy for Teachers

When asked about the process of creating an event using the F4S platform, Oliver said:

“It was a piece of cake! I really like being able to browse and choose the business founders I think are best for my students. The system is simple to use and keeps me informed when my invites have been accepted.”

This ease of use means teachers can focus on their students’ needs while bringing top-quality speakers into the classroom without added workload.

Changing Perspectives and Raising Aspirations

The events have had a profound impact on how students view their futures. For many, especially those from low socioeconomic backgrounds, hearing from successful professionals who share similar experiences has been incredibly motivating:

“Some of my students have really related to speakers who come from similar backgrounds. They see firsthand how hard work and determination can lead to success.”

The exposure to different sectors and careers also helps students make better-informed decisions about their GCSE and A-Level choices. By expanding their view of what’s possible, they develop confidence and ambition for the future.

Why Other Teachers Should Try F4S

Oliver encourages other teachers and schools to take advantage of the F4S platform:

“It is a great programme that has a big impact on the students, and lightens the teacher workload a little.”

With access to inspiring professionals, easy-to-organise events, and tangible benefits for students, F4S is helping educators across the UK prepare their students for the world of work.

Looking Ahead

Since that first event, Oliver has continued to organise one event per term, making sure his students regularly connect with role models who inspire and inform them about the possibilities ahead.

At F4S, we’re proud to support teachers like Oliver in creating impactful experiences that spark ambition and inspire the next generation.