Students from Thomas Bennett Community College soared as they celebrated graduating from Virgin Atlantic’s Passport to Change programme on Wednesday 8 July. Held at Brooklands Museum, home to the iconic Concorde G-BBDG, the graduation marked the culmination of a year spent exploring the exciting world of aviation and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) to inspire their future careers.
Students marked their year-long journey by presenting their own airline concepts before taking part in an interactive STEM challenge and exploring the museum’s aviation exhibits. The day concluded with students receiving certificates, Future Flyer pins and awards recognising leadership, personal growth and their embodiment of Virgin Atlantic’s values.
Since the start of the academic year in September 2025, the Year 8 students have participated in five dynamic workshops and interactive sessions with Virgin Atlantic professionals. From pilots to engineers, cabin crew to sustainability experts, students explored the inner workings of an airline with a heavy focus on STEM, gaining exposure to diverse business areas including Engineering, Flight Operations, Sustainability, Technology, Finance, and Commercial operations.
Holly Boyd-Boland, Senior Vice President – Corporate and Legal Affairs at Virgin Atlantic, shared her pride in the students’ achievements:
“At Virgin Atlantic, we’re committed to supporting the communities we serve and helping young people understand the wide range of opportunities available in aviation. Over the past year, Passport to Change has brought colleagues from across our business together with students at Thomas Bennett Community College to share their experiences, build confidence and provide practical insight into careers in STEM and beyond. It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm, curiosity and personal development shown by the students throughout the programme, and we’re proud to celebrate everything they’ve achieved as they graduate.”
Mr W. Fisk, Head of Year 8, commented:
“This marks our fifth year of participation in the Passport to Change programme, and once again, our Year 8 students leave deeply inspired and excited for what lies ahead. It remains a privilege to be one of only five schools globally invited to take part in such a life-changing experience that opens a world of opportunity for our 12 and 13-year-olds.”
The Virgin Atlantic Passport to Change programme address the national challenge of low enrolment in STEM subjects, particularly in schools with a higher number of students eligible for free school meals. The airline partners with non-selective state schools located in and around key business hubs, focusing on institutions that serve students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those with special educational needs and disabilities, English as an additional language, and those facing socio-economic challenges.
The programme is coordinated by the Community team at Virgin Atlantic and delivered with support from charity partner STEM Learning, alongside incredible volunteers from across the airline who share their career journeys and lead interactive activities to instil industry knowledge and encourage effective teamwork.
Clare Hutchinson, Head of Skills & Partner Engagement, shared:
“At STEM Learning, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to discover where STEM could take them, regardless of their background. Passport to Change shows the impact that can be achieved when education and industry work together to inspire the next generation. We’re proud to partner with Virgin Atlantic to give students hands-on experiences that build confidence, spark curiosity and introduce them to the wide range of careers available in aviation and STEM. Seeing the students from Thomas Bennett Community College present their airline ideas with such confidence, creativity and teamwork was a fantastic way to celebrate everything they have achieved throughout the programme.”
