Young Londoners to get support to access top universities

Young London Student

Goldsmiths, University of London has joined an award-winning collaboration of leading universities aiming to promote fair access to higher education and encourage social mobility.

Realising Opportunities has so far worked with more than 1,500 students from groups who may not traditionally choose to go to university.

As part of the scheme, Year 12 and 13 students have access to events, activities and support specifically designed to increase their likelihood of applying to, and succeeding at, top UK universities.

The scheme was established in 2009, funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and since August 2012 has been fully funded by the partner universities.

By working together the group aims to raise awareness and understanding of research intensive universities and encourage academically able young people from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds to increase their aspirations.

Michael Young, Pro-Warden for Students and Learning Development at Goldsmiths, commented: "We are delighted to be joining this scheme. Goldsmiths is committed to raising aspirations and getting more young people to consider university, especially those who might not have thought it was a route for them. Being part of the Realising Opportunities collaboration will provide a unique opportunity for local students to get the support they need to gain access to top universities across the UK."

David Willetts, Minister for Universities, said: "The expansion of Realising Opportunities is good news, and will help even more young people from less advantaged backgrounds benefit from the transformational experience of higher education.

"It is important that young people, regardless of their backgrounds, are inspired to be ambitious as they consider studying at university. Programmes like this raise aspirations and attainment, which is why we encourage universities to invest in this type of outreach."

The Programme has a strong academic component and is recognised by most participating universities as counting towards UCAS points. Students attend a National Student Conference where they take a tailored programme of workshops, such as student finance, to suit their needs.

Students can take part in a range of events such as subject taster days, masterclasses and summer schools available at all partner universities. Throughout the programme, the students receive the support of an undergraduate e-mentor who provides on-going information about Realising Opportunities and higher education.

Goldsmiths joined the scheme alongside the University of Sheffield and the University of Sussex. Newcastle University has hosted the scheme since 2009.