OP Friendly Faces is a special scheme that matches our newest OPs with an Old Princethorpian contact who is already at their destination university, in order to ease the transition for the leaver as they embark on life beyond Princethorpe.

Our OP Friendly Face Mentors have a huge impact, offering not only insights or advice about the university, city or life post-Princethorpe, but also also serving as an immediate and relevant way of connecting the Upper Sixth Leaver to the wider OP community of which they are newly a part.

Being in touch with the student via email, mobile or social media, or providing a friendly face to meet up with over a coffee (compliments of the OP Committee!), makes for a far smoother experience in their first few weeks away from home. Recent Friendly Face Mentees reflect:

"[My mentor] was a huge help in answering questions prior to starting and during the first couple of weeks. It was great to have some advice whilst I was getting settled."

"I have seen [my mentor] a lot, as we have both played hockey together throughout the year."

"[My mentor] provided great insights to Bristol. He also suggested I pick up tutoring, which he found a good way to make money on the side, and provided advice on how to go about this."

Our 2026 Upper Sixth Leavers have been introduced to the scheme and several have already requested a match. We're particularly looking for matches in Bath, Durham, Leeds and Portsmouth.

If you are, or know, a recent leaver (Class of 2024 or 2025) who would be a Friendly Face, please get in touch at oldprincethorpians@princethorpe.co.uk.

A message from Alumni Relations and Development Officer, Caroline Spencer: "We have run OP Friendly Faces for a number of years now, and it continues to grow. Perhaps you benefitted from the scheme yourself and are keen to pay it forward? It is a powerful way to give back and support the next generation of Old Princethorpians.”