A national campaign is underway to celebrate the successful alumni from the UK’s state schools, inspiring others from similar backgrounds to aim high.
Organised by the 93% Club’s ‘Made in State School’ campaign, nominated state schools across the UK will receive red heritage-style plaques celebrating their alumni in the UK’s first campaign of its kind.
Honorees will be selected via a nationwide call for nominations, with schools and teachers particularly encouraged to submit their alumni.
You can vote for your inspirational Bedford alumni here.
The campaign shines a spotlight on the country’s state-educated success stories, with the red plaques marking famous and successful alumni.
Taking its name from the percentage of UK students educated in state schools, the 93% Club is the UK’s largest network of state-educated professionals and students.
The ‘Made in State School’ campaign aims to foster pride in students’ backgrounds, serving as a reminder that success can come from anywhere, and any community, in the UK – and that state schoolers who succeed aren’t an ‘exception to the rule’.
From business successes to sporting achievements, academic excellence to pop stardom, the plaques will be a prominent and tangible reminder that someone walking the same school corridors as them has made it, and they can too.
A survey of the 93% Club members, conducted last year, found that state-educated and working-class students and professionals frequently feel shame or experience discrimination because of their background.
81% of all student members reported making at least one change to their identity while at university, while 30% of working-class students said they were told that university is ‘not for people like them’.
Sophie Pender, CEO and founder of The 93% Club, said: “My school didn’t have the hundreds of years of history, a huge network, and a roster of famous alumni that most private schools do.
“With the plaques, we change that. We give schools a little piece of heritage, history and pride.”
To make your nomination, visit 93percent.club/nominate and let’s make Bedford proud.
