Access Programmes and Opportunities
Year 12 2024/25 into Year 13 2025/26 Access Programmes
Most progression opportunities to support University Applications and post 18 applications including degree apprenticeships require online registration. If you are interested, then you must register your interest or apply AS SOON AS THE APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE and Mrs Beckford will tell you when that is.
NUFFIELD FOUNDATION
Spend your year 12 summer holiday enhancing your university application and career prospects on a Nuffield Research Placement. Nuffield Research Placements are funded by the Nuffield Foundation and delivered by STEM Learning. They are engaging, hands-on research projects, where students have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution towards the work of a host organisation. They are a fantastic opportunity for students to apply skills and knowledge learned at school and work alongside researchers and industry professionals.
https://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/students-teachers/nuffield-research-placements
PATHWAYS TO BIRMINGHAM – UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/teachers/pupil-opportunities/post-16/Pathways-to-Birmingham.aspx
Routes to the Professions – a unique opportunity for year 12 students interested in careers in medicine, dentistry, law, finance or engineering to gain a real insight into studying at university and pursuing professional careers.
Inspired@Birmingham - this scheme supports year 12 students who are considering applying to study here through our A2B scheme in year 13.
Academic Enrichment Programme - this scheme helps to encourage young people in year 12 with no family history of higher education to apply to a leading research university, supporting and guiding them in the process. The scheme includes a week-long residential on the University campus.
Access to Birmingham (A2B) - our scheme for year 13 students from background less likely to consider university. By applying to study here through A2B, students gain a package of support and an alternative offer.
PATHWAY TO HEALTH CARE – ASTON UNIVERSITY
Places on the Pathway to Healthcare Programme are open to students entering Year 12 in September who have the potential to enter higher education, are considering a degree in Medicine or Life and Health Sciences and who would benefit from additional support throughout the university application process. https://www2.aston.ac.uk/aston-medical-school/pathwaytohealthcare
REALISING OPPORTUNITIES (RO)
RO is a unique collaboration of leading research intensive universities working together to promote fair access to university and professions. They support some of the country’s brightest 16-19 year olds through a structured programme of interventions designed to ensure they can be successful in their education and future career. The RO programme gives students a wide range of information in a variety of ways in order for students to have space and support to make informed decisions. Students participating in RO have access to all of the RO Partner universities throughout their time on the programme with alternative offers available for those who successfully complete. www.realisingopportunities.ac.uk
SOCIAL MOBILITY FOUNDATION
Young people in year 12 can apply for a programme that includes mentoring via email; tailored skills session and career workshops; university application support and guidance and internships with top employers in areas including: Accountancy, Architecture, Banking & Finance, Biology & Chemistry, Business, Digital, Engineering & Physics, Law, Media & Communications, Medicine, Politics. Successful students will receive mentoring, university application support, skills development. www.socialmobility.org.uk
THE SUTTON TRUST
Support young people from less advantaged backgrounds to access leading universities and careers. In partnership with universities and employers, they run engaging programmes that give students practical advice and leave them feeling inspired and more confident about their future. Our programmes are completely free to attend. All costs - including travel, accommodation, food and activities – are paid for by the Trust and our partners.
They offer different programmes though the year – direct link to the programmes offered - https://www.suttontrust.com/find-the-right-programme-for-you/
https://www.suttontrust.com/
THE SUTTON TRUST SUMMER SCHOOL – University of Cambridge
A week-long, subject-specific residential summer school held in Cambridge. The programme aims to give you the full Cambridge student experience (including academic teaching and social life) whilst also providing you with information and advice to support you during the application process. During the day you will join your chosen department, where you’ll be taught by world-leading experts in your subject. They’ll guide you through new areas of study, introducing you to the depth and breadth of a Cambridge undergraduate course. The subject timetables are varied; you might undertake your own research project, participate in seminars, lectures or test out Cambridge’s supervisions (specialised, small-group teaching).
https://www.undergraduate.study.cam.ac.uk/events/summer-schools
UNIQ SUMMER SCHOOL – University of Oxford
UNIQ is the University of Oxford’s access programme for state school students. We prioritise places for students with good grades from backgrounds that are under-represented at Oxford and other universities. Every year more students from diverse backgrounds get offered places at Oxford with help from UNIQ. The UNIQ residential summer school started in 2010 and we continually make changes to improve the support we provide to UNIQ students. UNIQ will build on the successes of previous years, offering students both an academic residential in Oxford and a sustained online admissions support programme.
https://www.uniq.ox.ac.uk/whatisuniq
WORK EXPERIENCE FOR ALL STUDENTS
A compulsory work experience for all year 12 level 3 students to support your post 18 progression either to university or apprenticeships – July 2025 – date will be shared in September.