Mentor on a mission to help Springwood pupils succeed

​The​ school year that has just come to a close has been a uniquely challenging one for students all across the country, but when sixth form pupils at one King’s Lynn high school return next term, they will have the advantage of a hugely experienced mentor to help them deal with staying on track academically. ​

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​Nicky Thompson has been a technology teacher at Springwood High for six years, having switched over from a career in communications in the construction industry and local government, and hopes that in her new role as a mentor, she will be able to combine her classroom experience with her commercial world know-how to help students.
 
“I’m delighted to be joining the hugely successful sixth form at Springwood High School,” said Ms Thompson, who was previously communications manager at the Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, as well as having worked for Leeds City Council and for the Construction Industry Training Board, where she was particularly focused on promoting apprenticeships.
 
“I’m passionate about helping young people to achieve their full potential and I hope my experience of working for two of West Norfolk’s largest employers will assist students as they transition from school to university study or the world of work.” 

In the autumn term Thompson, who is originally from Norfolk, will be working closely with Springwood’s sixth form pupils helping them to make choices about what to do after school finishes.  

The bar has been set high by pupils at Springwood, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, as at the start of this year, a record 11 of its pupils called for interviews at Oxford and Cambridge universities, with four of them going on to receive offers of places to study there. 

In addition to her professional expertise, Thompson, a graduate of the University of Birmingham and the holder of an MSc in Public Service Commissioning, has also been involved at board level with various charities. 

​“I see Nicky's appointment as a real game changer,” said Springwood’s deputy head, Jamie Warner-Lynn.  
“Our mission is to offer a truly personalised experience and that is more important than ever, given the disruption to learning as a result of the pandemic. Nicky will help us ensure that no-one is left behind."