CLF Connect

A modern alumni network for past and present CLF learners and colleagues.

Welcome to CLF Connect.

Becoming a member of the community will ensure you are kept up to date with the latest alumni news, events and opportunities across the CLF.

There are so many ways alumni can support the CLF's vision of equity through education, playing a key role in helping learners raise their ambition and aspiration.

You will be able to highlight areas where you are able to support, such as 'sharing your story', providing careers insights or volunteering to support young people in your school and across the trust.

All personal data you provide is held securely on the CLF's alumni database in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018. You can learn more about how we use and protect your data at Privacy Notices - Cabot Learning Federation.

Find out more about CLF Connect

If you just left school this year, here's how you join the community.

Initially, it's a case of school leavers completing the form to become a member of the community. This will ensure we're able to keep in touch and share opportunities in our Connect newsletter.

Joining the LinkedIn group is a really good idea too, especially for those new to LinkedIn and wanting to grow their network, as connecting with alumni is a great way to develop new contacts.

93% Club - for CLF leavers heading to university

The 93% Club is home to 32,000+ students, with more than 50 university societies across the UK. That’s a thriving community of state-educated mates that students can connect with on campus, at national events, and via the 93% Club virtual platform.

You’ll also be able to tap into their professionals network, with thousands of passionate, accomplished individuals keen to help students break into the industries they already work in.

Further information and sign-up form.

Former CLF Learners, Current and Former Colleagues are encouraged to join the CLF Connect Community, here’s how:

Step 1. Join the community.

Even if you were at a CLF school before it joined the trust, we would love to welcome you to the CLF Connect Community.

Joining the community will ensure we can keep you up to date with alumni news, while also providing opportunities for you to play an active role inspiring CLF Learners.

Join the Community to be kept up to date with news and opportunities from across the CLF.

Step 2. Join the CLF Connect LinkedIn group.

As the Connect community grows, so will our LinkedIn group. This will provide an opportunity for alumni to develop their network with professionals who have studied and worked in CLF academies.

The LinkedIn group will be used to share information and opportunities, and we would also encourage members to ask industry specific questions and share career advice and guidance.

Join the LinkedIn group to grow your professional network.

Step 3. Share your story.

Alumni stories will become a key part of our newsletters and an important resource for careers colleagues across the trust.

Don't underestimate the impact sharing your story can have on learners and fellow alumni.

Makes success feel real and achievable:

Hearing from someone who once sat in the same classrooms helps learners picture themselves on a similar path, turning ambition into something tangible.

Provides relatable role models:

Alumni journeys often include setbacks and changes, showing learners that there isn’t just one ‘perfect’ route to achieving personal goals.

Builds aspiration and motivation:

Personal stories can inspire students to aim higher, try new opportunities, and stay committed to their goals.

Sharing your story is a great way to provide inspiration to CLF learners and to future CLF colleagues.

Alumni Impact

Sunchi Chen - CAB
After studying at City Academy and the University of Birmingham, Sunchi entered a two-year graduate scheme at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) as a Graduate Development Engineer. Upon completion, she was offered a role as a full-time Development Engineer. She is responsible for the development of novel technologies for Fusion Energy. During her time at UKAEA, Sunchi’s work in outreach and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) has continued. She has taken part in communications and EDI initiatives with organisations including The Royal Society, Women in Nuclear, ITV News and Sky. Sunchi has recently joined our Board of Trustees.
Ellis Genge - JCA
Ellis Genge, who attended John Cabot Academy, is a professional rugby player who plays for Bristol Bears, England and the British and Irish Lions. He played more than 100 games for Leicester, captaining the team to a Premiership title in 2022. In 2016, Genge made his senior debut for England against Wales and made his Lions debut in 2025 in Australia. Ellis has created The Genge Fund, a resource to support young people experiencing disadvantage across Bristol. He chose Lansdown Park Academy as a recipient of funding, creating opportunities such as a day of adventure at the Mendip Activity Centre.
Larissa Hope - JCA
Larissa Hope (formerly Wilson) was street cast as Jal in the worldwide hit series Skins whilst at John Cabot Academy. Today Larissa is a researcher, filmmaker, and founder of The Restoration Collective. She holds a First Class Honours BSc in Creative Writing and Psychology, and her MSc research in Neuroscience at King's College London, in collaboration with Goldsmiths, University of London, was awarded a First Class grade. She has presented her research internationally, holds a certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies from the Trauma Research Foundation, and is currently training towards certification in Polyvagal Theory. Her debut short film, Shift, is award winning.

Sunchi Chen - CAB
After studying at City Academy and the University of Birmingham, Sunchi entered a two-year graduate scheme at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) as a Graduate Development Engineer. Upon completion, she was offered a role as a full-time Development Engineer. She is responsible for the development of novel technologies for Fusion Energy. During her time at UKAEA, Sunchi’s work in outreach and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) has continued. She has taken part in communications and EDI initiatives with organisations including The Royal Society, Women in Nuclear, ITV News and Sky. Sunchi has recently joined our Board of Trustees.
Ellis Genge - JCA
Ellis Genge, who attended John Cabot Academy, is a professional rugby player who plays for Bristol Bears, England and the British and Irish Lions. He played more than 100 games for Leicester, captaining the team to a Premiership title in 2022. In 2016, Genge made his senior debut for England against Wales and made his Lions debut in 2025 in Australia. Ellis has created The Genge Fund, a resource to support young people experiencing disadvantage across Bristol. He chose Lansdown Park Academy as a recipient of funding, creating opportunities such as a day of adventure at the Mendip Activity Centre.
Larissa Hope - JCA
Larissa Hope (formerly Wilson) was street cast as Jal in the worldwide hit series Skins whilst at John Cabot Academy. Today Larissa is a researcher, filmmaker, and founder of The Restoration Collective. She holds a First Class Honours BSc in Creative Writing and Psychology, and her MSc research in Neuroscience at King's College London, in collaboration with Goldsmiths, University of London, was awarded a First Class grade. She has presented her research internationally, holds a certificate in Traumatic Stress Studies from the Trauma Research Foundation, and is currently training towards certification in Polyvagal Theory. Her debut short film, Shift, is award winning.