Transforming student outcomes through mentoring

The Oppidan Foundation is a registered UK charity, managing and granting funds to support state-funded UK schools with mentoring programmes. We build confidence, strengthen communication and create community so young people can thrive.

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Problems we address

Mentoring helps young people build confidence by recognising progress, raising expectations and showing that challenges are part of learning. By widening what students believe is possible for them, mentoring supports higher aspirations and a greater willingness to take part. As confidence grows, young people are more likely to put themselves forward for new opportunities, from extracurricular activities to leadership roles.
Mentoring supports young people to communicate more clearly and with greater confidence. Through regular conversation and guidance, students learn how to express ideas, ask for help and engage constructively with others. These skills are essential for success in school, relationships and future pathways.
Mentoring strengthens a sense of community by connecting young people with supportive adults and positive peer networks. These relationships help students feel less isolated and more secure, while also giving them access to role models and wider opportunities. A stronger sense of belonging supports engagement, wellbeing and long-term development.

We work with schools across the UK

We work with maintained secondary schools and sixth forms across the United Kingdom creating sustainable and systemic change within each school.

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Our people

Anna Boden

Strategy & Impact Lead
Alongside working for the Oppidan Foundation, Anna is also a Science Teacher at Kensington Aldridge Academy having been a Head of Year. After graduating from Edinburgh studying Stem Cell Biology, she completed Teach First and then decided to look for jobs out of education. However, she quickly reverted back when she realised that making a difference to young people's lives was her passion. Combining this with her love of adventure, Anna also runs her own residential trip taking inner city London children to rural locations as a tool to build children’s confidence and increase their cultural capital.
Josh Adeyemi

Trustee
In his penultimate year at the University of Cambridge, Josh is studying Human, Social and Political Sciences. Specialising in Politics and International Relations at St John’s College. Alongside his studies Josh is the JCR BAME Officer at St John’s, plays for the 1st XI and sits on the Advisory Board for Power The Fight. Whilst at Eton College, Josh was an Orwell Scholar as well as serving in multiple student welfare related roles.
Mariella Ardron

Trustee
Mariella is the Principal at Chelsea Academy. Previously she spent 16 years working in Hounslow schools as a History Teacher, Senior Leader and finally Principal. Mariella is committed to leading in the state sector and making a difference to the life chances of young people. Her mission is to lead a school that prepares students for happy, healthy and successful adulthoods. Oppidan is in the DNA of the Academy and it is wonderful that Sixth Form students, having been mentored over five years ago, are now mentoring the younger students! Mariella also serves as a governor on the board of a primary school.
Daniel Afolabi

Trustee
Daniel is a corporate lawyer at a City firm. He graduated from Gonville and Caius College, University of Cambridge having read law. Whilst at Cambridge, Daniel co-founded the inaugural Motherland conference and was the first BME officer at Gonville and Caius College. He also sits on the School Council of Aylward Academy.
Peter Truesdale OBE

Trustee
Peter has a record of community service. He was a member of Lambeth Council for 20 years with four years as its Leader. He was board member of the London Development Agency and the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority. He is a past Chair of the Cicely Northcote Trust which supports innovation in the voluntary sector in Lambeth and Southwark. He was Chair of Governors at Saint Gabriel’s College, SW9 and is currently Chair at Saint John the Divine Primary School SE5.
Sean Costello

Trustee
Sean is Co-Founder and Co-CEO of the Next Steps Institute, a new tech start-up focused on career reinvention for mid-career professionals. He is also Head of Educational Opportunity at Eton College, where he leads national partnerships and advocacy initiatives reaching over 200 schools. A Teach First Ambassador and former senior school leader, Sean has since built a career as a strategist, thought leader, and policy expert with extensive experience in communications, campaigns, and political engagement.
Henry Faber

Trustee
Henry is the co-founder of Oppidan Education and The Oppidan Foundation. Henry has been a finalist for the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year and was listed on the Forbes 30Under30 2020 for social entrepreneurship. Henry co-runs a team of 200 inspiring mentors who have worked with over 3000 families and 100 schools since 2016. Henry studied Modern Languages at Balliol College, Oxford.
Walter Kerr

Trustee
Walter is the co-founder of Oppidan Education and The Oppidan Foundation. Walter has been a finalist for the Great British Entrepreneur of the Year and was listed on the Forbes 30Under30 2020 for social entrepreneurship. Walter co-runs a team of 200 inspiring mentors who have worked with over 3000 families and 100 schools since 2016. Walter studied Theology at Durham University.