Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon today announces a new partnership with St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School, as part of its ‘Working with Schools’ programme and its commitment to driving social mobility.
The Bristol secondary school, which has over 1,600 students aged 11 to 19, has previously engaged with Burges Salmon on a number of projects and the new partnership is set to maximise the opportunities for its students to gain insights into the world of work and help inform their academic and career choices.
Burges Salmon’s ‘Working with Schools’ programme is part of its commitment to PRIME, an alliance of law firms and legal departments across the UK that are committed to broadening access to the legal profession amongst school-age students. The programme comprises a comprehensive and dedicated portfolio of long-term structured partnerships and activities to stimulate, challenge and include young people – particularly from less advantaged backgrounds – building confidence, essential skills and career aspiration through insight days, work experience, career talks, mentoring, work place visits and more.
In 2020, the firm was named a Responsible Business Champion by Business in the Community (BITC) – the business-led membership organisation dedicated to responsible business founded by HRH The Prince of Wales – in the Education Partnerships category of its annual Responsible Business Awards.
Rhian Apps, sixth form careers lead at St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School, says: “We are really excited to form a partnership with Burges Salmon and know that the diverse opportunities and support they offer will enhance our current careers programme and give all students opportunities to develop.”
Kirsty Green-Mann, Burges Salmon’s Head of Corporate Responsibility, adds: “Our engagement with the teaching staff and students at St Mary Redcliffe and Temple School has been really positive and we’re delighted to be able to enhance our relationship and formalise this partnership which we know will bring mutual benefits.
“The city school has a mixed demographic of students and we’re looking forward to supporting them all in developing their talent and reaching their potential. It will also be brilliant to engage with the school’s sixth form students about the firm’s legal and business services apprenticeship opportunities.”