Research shows that students from the least advantaged backgrounds have a 2 in 100 chance of going to the most competitive universities, compared with 28 in 100 for the most advantaged (UCAS Multiple Equality Measure).
The Scholars Programme gives students in secondary school the opportunity to explore higher education and build key skills to help them succeed in the next stages of their education. We work with students in Years 7-8 on our Key Stage 3 placements, and Years 9-10 on our Key Stage 4 placements.
Students take part in a series of seven university-style tutorials, delivered in-school by a PhD tutor throughout the course of an academic term. The tutorials are based on the tutor’s area of research expertise, so pupils explore an inspiring, supra-curricular topic whilst developing key academic skills that support their attainment across the curriculum. Students receive feedback and support from their PhD tutor to write a final assignment of 1,500-2000 words, demonstrating the subject knowledge, written communication and critical thinking skills they have developed throughout the programme.
On completion of the programme, students visit a university for a Graduation Event to celebrate their achievements and build their understanding of higher education, helping them make informed choices in the future and believe that they can succeed in university-style learning.
As a university access charity, we work with the students who most benefit from the support of our programmes. We require that at least 55% of the students registered on the programme meet at least one of the following criteria:
The school contribution is £2,779 per placement. This cost is subsidised through contributions from our university partners and external grants and donations.
Our Key Stage 3 courses are pre-designed and adapted to be accessible and engaging for younger students. Our Key Stage 4 courses are designed by our PhD tutors, allowing students to explore a new area of research in an interactive way. Throughout the series of tutorials, tutors share both their research expertise and passion for their subject, inspiring future generations of researchers.
Click on each handbook title to find out more about the course
This experience taught us what it is like to submit university style essays. As well as learning about the skills and standards we had to meet to complete our essays, we also got to learn different viewpoints and opinions on the topic we were focusing on. Our tutor was wonderful and gave us feedback which really helped us achieve our best.
Students have had the opportunity for self-growth, the opportunity for them to build their confidence and to build their academic abilities. I think it’s a really robust programme that is well thought out and well planned. Also, the opportunity for students to get to work with an industry specialist – I mean that doesn’t happen every day, does it?
