Why state schools need old boys’ clubs too

Ask a certain type of class warrior about the old boys’ network and they’ll tell you of ruddy-faced men in club ties, offering each other’s offspring summer internships. Or perhaps they’ll talk of thrusting bankers, who as children shared showers and a chilly dormitory, plotting to hire old school friends over more deserving candidates. Wink wink, nudge nudge, chortle chortle.

There is probably still a little bit of truth in that. But in the past few years, it’s become much easier for any school to run an alumni network. Many independent schools, and an increasing number of state schools, have built dedicated websites where former students can find one another.

Kate Jillings is one of the founders of ToucanTech, which runs alumni network websites for major private schools such as Winchester and Rugby, but also top state schools like the London Oratory, Aylesbury Grammar and Reading School.