Batley Girl’s High School  has hosted a special visit by Baroness Warsi last during which she spent time with pupils graduating from a secondary school mentoring programme run by Mosaic, a charity founded by HRH The Prince of Wales. The Baroness also spoke to those who’d given up their time to mentor the young people.

The programme saw 20 girls aged between 13 and 14 take part in regular mentoring sessions run by four successful individuals from the business world with the aim of raising aspirations and educating them about the variety of job opportunities available to them after they leave school.

The four mentors were Adriane Marriott-Mills , an experienced project manager and teacher; Mandip Sahota, a chief executive; Andrew Douglas, successful businessman and consultant and Natasha McCreesh who runs a consultancy business.

Baroness Warsi said, “As always, I’m impressed with the verve and energy of our young people and it’s important that they are given the encouragement and guidance that they need to achieve great things as they grow older, regardless of gender, ethnicity or background.”

“It’s clear to me that the impact of Mosaic’s mentoring programme on these young women has been hugely positive and the mentoring team have been valuable role-models. They’ve given excellent advice drawn from their successful careers but also demonstrate just what’s possible in life through hard-work and perseverance.”

Iffat Ahmed, Pathways and Progression Coordinator at Batley Girls High School, said: “Batley Girls’ High school has been working in partnership with Mosaic for the first time this year. The confidence of the pupils involved has significantly improved as a result of the programme and their knowledge of career choices has increased considerably. This is due to the inspiration and professionalism of the range of business mentors who have supported this valuable programme.”

Leah Larkin, Mosaic’s Regional Manager for Yorkshire said: “Mosaic has a proud history of success in the region and it’s been great to celebrate another group of pupils completing our mentoring programme. As ever, I must thank the mentors who give up their time freely to guide and inspire the young people and I’m certain they must be very proud of the excellent job that they’ve done.”