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Access and widening participation programmes and support

Explore our progressive programme of activity for state schools across all age groups, from primary school to Year 13.
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Our widening participation work focuses on helping state school students make informed decisions about their future, build their confidence and skills, and offer insight into university life and study.

We offer widening participation programmes, incentives and support for care leavers and young carers, a contextual offer, and a range of pre-16 programmes and activities.

Pathways to Birmingham

 

Our Pathways to Birmingham (P2B) programmes offer Year 12 and 13 students an insight into higher education and professional career routes and support students throughout the university application process.

P2B students are an important part of our University community. Since the first programme launched in 2000, we have welcomed nearly 4,000 P2B students onto undergraduate degrees at the University of Birmingham. In the past few years, around 10% of the annual undergraduate intake has come through a P2B programme.

Year 12 and Year 13 students can apply to a Pathways to Birmingham programme directly through an online portal.

  • Support for students who spent time in care

    We believe that students leaving care to come to university deserve a little extra support to help them make the right choices, and get the financial help and assistance they’re entitled to.

    From financial and accommodation support to alternative offer opportunities, care leavers can access a comprehensive set of services and resources.

    Explore our support package

  • Services for young carers

    We recognise that the responsibilities of a student carer can have a significant impact on their university experience and their ability to engage with their studies.

    So we offer a range of additional support for this group of young people to help with their transition from school or college to university.

    Read about support for young carers

Pre-16 programmes and activities

From workshops to residentials, our range of activities for West Midlands secondary schools offers opportunities for local pupils to explore higher education and make the best choice for their future. We work with state schools across the region to raise aspirations and motivation, with a wide range of support available from Year 7 to Year 11.

  • Year 10 Summer School

    The summer school is an opportunity for Year 10 students to find out what it's like to live and learn as a university student whilst developing their confidence, skills and social network.

  • Forward Thinking

    Running from Year 8 to Year 11, Forward Thinking gives pupils an insight into higher education and professional career routes, along with opportunities for skills building and self-development.

  • Raising Aspirations in Secondary Education (RAISE)

    A range of fun, interactive lectures, workshops, and competitive quizzes for students in Years 7 to 11.

  • Primary education activities

    We are keen to support Year 6 pupils with the sometimes-difficult transition period from primary to secondary school.

    Pupils can get involved in our Move On Up Day every year, as well as ad-hoc activities like the Curiosity Cube

    Explore opportunities