We select our scholars through a competitive process designed to ensure that the impact we deliver really does change the odds
Each scholar completes a written application and undergoes an interview with about 30% of applicants admitted to the programme. We have developed relationships with a number of schools and multi academy trusts over the last four years and have a strong retention rate of both individual scholars and schools.
Our scholars may face various inequalities but their commitment and academic curiosity, rather than narrow academic criteria are what make them successful in applying to our programme and gaining acceptance to some of the country’s most challenging degree courses.
Our schools
We’ve partnered with schools all over the country
2022
- Christ the King College
- School 21
- Blackpool Sixth Form College
- Harris Federation
- Academies Enterprise Trust
- Ark Schools
- Cardinal Newman
- Oasis Academy South Bank
- Reach Academy
- Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School
- Sacred Heart Catholic School
- Kensington Aldridge Academy
- TKAT Academies (Thomas Bennett Community Technology College)
2021
- Christ the King College
- School 21
- Blackpool Sixth Form College
- Harris Federation
- Academies Enterprise Trust (4 schools)
- Cardinal Newman
- Oasis Academy South Bank
- Reach Academy
- TKAT Academies (Thomas Bennett Community Technology College)
2020
- Christ the King College
- London Academy of Excellence
- School 21
- Blackpool Sixth Form College
- Harris Federation (across London)
- Academies Enterprise Trust (2 schools)
- Cardinal Newman
- Oasis Academy South Bank
- Reach Academy
2019
- Christ the King College
- London Academy of Excellence
- School 21
- Spires, Torquay
- Blackpool Sixth Form College
- Harris Federation (8 academies)
Who We Fund
We encourage students who satisfy widening participation criteria to apply
Whilst we consider a range of measures, students usually meet at least one of the following:
Free School Meals
Pupils in state schools in receipt of free school meals. This is one of the most well-established markers of poverty.
Pupil Premium
Introduced in April 2011, the pupil premium is allocated to children who are looked after by the local authority, those who have been eligible for Free School Meals at any point in the last six years (also known as Ever 6 FSM) as well as children whose parents are serving in the armed forces.
Pupil Premium Plus
Pupil Premium Plus is a specific fund allocated by the government for children who have been in the care system in England and Wales or who have been adopted from English or Welsh state care.
Bursary
Pupils in the state or independent school system who are in receipt of significant bursaries.
First Generation
Pupil is one of the first generation of their family to attend university.
Low Participation Postcodes
Pupils attending schools in places where young people are less likely to enter higher education.
The UPP has taught me many valuable lessons such as building my communication skills and gaining confidence. It has empowered me to develop my knowledge and understanding in regards of what university is suitable for me and the subject I want to study.
Nadia
2021 Cohort