"The Hackney School Mentoring Programme has been one of my main sources of inspiration for my educational progress, business entrepreneurship and personal life".

"At the start of my GCSE studies at Homerton College of Technology I was particularly fortunate be matched to a mentor from ING Bearings through the HSMP. My mentor James Butterfill, was dedicated and committed to each weekly meeting, his enthusiasm to make every session unique and relevant to my interests was unparallel".

"The mentoring programme lead directly to my 2 week work experience as an IT Equity and Community Affairs Assistant at UBS Investment Bank in the City, followed by further work experience at a law firm Herbert Smith LLP. Using the confidence and other skills gained through the work experience, I managed to find part time employment at many major fashion retailers at the centre of London from H Samuel’s flagship store in Oxford Street to Mamas and Papas in Regent Street".

"Having finished my GCSEs at Homerton College of Technology, I continued my education by studying AS levels at City and Islington College followed by a BTEC course at Hackney Community College, and was strongly considering enrolling on a business degree programme at a University".

"Just before committing myself to a minimum of 3 years of University life, I combined my knowledge and experience of the last four years, and last summer at the bold age of 18 I opened my first business “Luxury Recruit Ltd” based in Central London, Holborn. During this process I was continuously helped by UBS staff and my assigned mentor as well as James from the Hackney School Mentoring Programme, acting as mentors and friends along the whole way, none so more evident for when they arranged me a rehearsal interview prior to my submission to the Prince’s Trust charity for a grant".

"Apart from allowing me to get exposed to diverse work placements and cementing my career aims, the mentoring programme has given me an opportunity of a better life".

"Advice that I Mohammed would give to other aspiring entrepreneurs and mentees? If you've got an idea and want to try it …. Give it a go! You never know what will happen further down the line. I've worked day and night and put a lot of effort in. My advice to other students is: if you've got a goal, go for it. Never give up!"