Coventry school seeks past pupils ahead of major anniversary

Michael Mogan, Laura Burtonwood and Gordon Rutherford at Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School

A Coventry school has launched an appeal for former pupils from the last seven decades to help uncover their classmates' success stories ahead of a major anniversary.

Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School, part of the Romero Catholic Academy, has launched a new initiative designed to bring together past pupils, celebrate their achievements, and inspire the next generation of students ahead of its 70th anniversary.

The project - a relaunch of the school's Wiseman Connection alumni network - is being led by Principal Laura Burtonwood, herself a former student, in collaboration with Coventry-based fundraiser Michael Mogan MBE, also an alumnus of the school on Potters Green Road.

The project aims to uncover stories of former pupils from all walks of life - not just those who've led high profile careers, but people who have made a difference in their communities, created something impressive, or followed a unique path worth celebrating.

Michael said the ambition is to mark the school's 70th anniversary in 2028 by telling 70 stories from the school's alumni network, shining a light on the many ways Cardinal Wiseman pupils have gone on to make an impact - and help today's pupils see there are no limits to their potential.

Michael said: "This is about showcasing a wide range of life stories connected by Cardinal Wiseman - not just who've achieved great things in the corporate world, but those who've made a real difference or ploughed their own furrow. Whether it's in business, family, charity, creativity, or their local communities, we want to hear it.

"Cardinal Wiseman shaped me, as I know it did for many others. Our hope is that The Wiseman Connection becomes a lasting platform to celebrate that legacy, inspire current pupils, and build a supportive network for the future."

The project will see stories gathered via social media including LinkedIn and Facebook, with alumni encouraged to share and discuss their suggestions, which can then be submitted via an online hub.

Laura, who attended Cardinal Wiseman from 1991 to 1998 and was appointed Principal this year, said: "As a former pupil who now has the privilege of leading the school, I know there are so many amazing stories from past pupils who have gone on to do remarkable things in all walks of life - whether that's local heroes making a difference in their communities to those achieving on the national and international stage.

"The Wiseman Connection is about uncovering and celebrating all of those journeys. We want to show today's students that no matter where they start, their futures are full of possibility - and we can't wait to get started."

Gordon Rutherford, one of the school's longest serving former members of staff, who was a languages teacher from 1977 to 2021, has also helped to launch the project.

He said: "This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible community brought together by Cardinal Wiseman Catholic School over the last seven decades - the project has got great potential to make a real impact on current pupils.

"I have incredible memories from my time here and know first hand the impact this school has had on so many lives, and it will be great to hear more of those stories in the coming months and years."

To get involved visit: www.cardinalwiseman.coventry.sch.uk/alumni , join the Wiseman Connection Facebook group or follow its LinkedIn page.