City Lions Creative Mentors
We are delighted to be in our fourth year of the Westminster City Lions Creative Mentors programme, an inspiring initiative open to all Year 11 students.
Through the programme, our students are matched and mentored by professionals from world-renowned organisations, including the Royal Opera House, the Science Museum, the National Gallery, and Westminster Council.
How it works
- Students meet their mentors every four weeks in person, creating a regular space for guidance, discussion and inspiration.
- Mentors share their expertise and give students the chance to learn about a wide variety of creative careers.
- Each student receives tailored support, opening doors to opportunities and pathways into the creative world of employment.
The impact on our students
- Confidence and ambition: students grow in self-belief and are encouraged to set high aspirations.
- Career insight: first-hand advice from professionals helps students to understand the realities of creative industries.
- Opportunities: students gain access to networks, guidance and experiences that broaden horizons and support next steps into further education, training or work.
Being matched with my mentor, Nematodes, who is an author and publisher, really helped me understand how to write my stories and how publishing works. She even introduced me to a location manager at Warner Brothers Studios – it really was the best day of my life.
Year 11 student 2025
Working with BL over the last six months was such a life-affirming experience for me. I had to reassure BL at the start that I was just as nervous as he was, but we quickly hit it off. It was such a pleasure to see him grow in confidence. One of the highlights was when BL proudly invited his class for a private tour of the National Gallery. I feel I have benefited just as much from this mentoring journey as he has, and I would highly recommend the experience.
Creative Mentor, National Gallery
As the organiser working alongside the mentors, students, and the City Lions team, I have seen first-hand the powerful impact of this programme. Over time, our students have taken on the commitment with professionalism and courage. I have watched them grow in self-belief and confidence, and it is clear that they have benefited enormously from the experience. Their dedication and growth through the mentoring journey makes me very proud.
Tim Smith, In-School Program Coordinator
