Introducing our new campaign film, My Mentor & Me, showcasing the beautiful relationship 11-year-old Gabi has with her mentor Camilla.

Earlier this summer, we spent the afternoon with three quite remarkable people: Gabi, an 11-year-old student, Camilla, her mentor, and Eli, Gabi’s mum. Without a script or prompts, we rolled the cameras and let them loose as they discussed Gabi and Camilla’s mentoring relationship.

Winding back to where it began, Gabi was preparing to apply for independent secondary schools, but her and her mum were left in the dark about the 11+ process. After perusing Oppidan’s list of mentors, Gabi was set on one – Camilla. They clicked instantly, discovering a mutual passion for Star Wars and even sharing the same birthday. Over the course of the year, Camilla helped Gabi to smash her 11+ exams and secure a place at her first choice of school. By that time, the two had developed such a strong bond that Eli decided to continue Gabi’s sessions, with Camilla continuing to be a pillar of support without the stress of impending exams.

The film celebrates some of the key features of the Oppidan approach:

The importance of compatibility and mutual interests between mentor and mentee
The longevity of the relationship and the consistency of sessions that’s at the heart of all pupil success
The tight-knit bond formed between the mentor and the family
The value of things beyond the curriculum; the celebration of personal achievements, quirky interests, hobbies and skills
Clarity provided to the key academic pinch points and the reduction of stress through a considered and integrated approach

Adults have mentors, kids should too.