Widening participation activities

We work with students from Year 5 to Post 16 in Greater London, who are in one or more of our Widening Participation criteria. These include:

• Students with a Disability
• Students eligible for free school meals
• Care Experienced Students (Care Leavers)
• Students with Care Responsibilities (Carers)
• Refugees and Asylum Seekers
• Estranged Students
• Students who live in an area with high levels of deprivation
• Students who live in an area where very few people go into Higher Education

For schools based and whole-class programmes, our target schools are those with above 35% of attending students eligible for Free School Meals.

Primary Outreach

City St George’s Primary programmes aim to inform and engage young learners from underrepresented groups, raise awareness of higher education and help pupils make informed decisions about their futures.

Our programmes consist of:

Tutoring

Primary-level tutoring is available for Upper KS2 pupils, which provides targeted support in small groups of no more than 1:2, for an hour every week. Sessions of Maths, English, and/or guided reading are available throughout the year to support students in reaching their full potential and building their academic confidence. Our tutors are students at City university who have received full training and DBS checks.

Visit days

Class/es are invited onto campus for the day to learn about university life, get to know City students, take part in a subject-specific workshop and go on a campus tour.

Spotlight days

A university subject is ‘studied’ for a morning or afternoon, with tours of the department, support from academics and students, and insight into studying at University.

How to get in touch

Contact Eve Schutz (Primary Projects Officer) via email or call 07341463718

Girls Transition EmPOWher

Who is it for?

Year 6 girls that need additional support and confidence building to prepare and guide them through the transition to secondary school.

What does it involve?

The programme uses a growth mindset approach to improve confidence and self-belief, through reflecting on strengths and unique traits, looking at how to better manage emotions and relationships, and develop resilience by trying new and challenging things.

6 students take part in weekly activities on campus, and take part in a challenging offsite activity to put their resilience skills into practice. The programme has developed from a successful pilot project, with the aim of providing additional follow-up support in Year 7 as girls transition into secondary school and face new challenges.

When will it be?

Summer term each year, with follow up in autumn term of Year 7.

How do you apply/get in contact?

We are working with target partner schools to develop a programme that meets the needs of their Year 6 girls.

Evaluation

88% of the girls felt that EmPOWher helped them to recognise their personal strengths and qualities

81% felt more confident in their own ability to succeed in the future

Download the Evaluation report 2024 for more details.

Secondary Tutoring Program

Who is it for?

Secondary Tutoring is available for Key Stages 3 and 4, aimed at schools needing support to raise attainment in English, Maths and core Literacy.

What does it involve?

Widening Participation Tutors work intensively with participating students each week throughout termtime, providing 1-2-1 tutoring, in English, Maths or guided reading. Tutors will support attainment raising and provide an insight to higher education and university life.

When will it be?

The tutoring program runs during the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms, a minimum of once a week, at your school. Schools can arrange suitable times and session types through our tutoring team.

How do you apply/get in contact?

Target schools will be contacted in autumn with programme details. For more information contact wptutoring@citystgeorges.ac.uk.

Targeted Visit Days

for students at risk of becoming NEET or exclusion

Who is it for?

KS3 & KS4 :

• Young people at risk of becoming NEET or exclusion
• Young People with Special Educational Needs
• Young People in Local Authority Care/Attending Virtual Schools
• Young People in Alternate Provision

What does it involve?

Bespoke visits onto campus for school groups. We offer schools the opportunity to bring groups of onto campus with the aim of providing a positive experience of higher education.

The visits will involve activities and interactions with our student ambassadors intended to boost knowledge and awareness of higher education, confidence and encourage aspirations for higher education, helping the young people visualize their potential beyond secondary education.

The visits will involve activities and interactions with our student ambassadors intended to boost knowledge and awareness of higher education, teamwork and confidence.

When will it be?

As requested by schools, subject to capacity

How do you apply/get in contact?

Email joseph.jackson@cityst georges.ac.uk or wpteam@citystgeorges.ac.uk

Evaluation – quotes or reports

“Students were overwhelmingly positive about the day so thank you for giving students these great opportunities.“ – Isabel Ruthven – Deputy Head, Leigh Halley Academy

Uni Tasters

Who is it for?

KS4 Year 10 students

What does it involve?

Uni Tasters is a 4-day subject specific programme for Year 10 students, exploring different subjects in more depth throughout the year. The programme is designed to give an insight into specific subject areas and the chance to experience what it is like to be a university student.

Each Uni Taster event includes academically stimulating and invigorating workshops, with the opportunity to develop key skills such as communication, networking, confidence and access to careers guidance.

When will it be?

Various weeks from February to June 2026.

How do you apply/get in contact?

Students apply individually for a place via our online system at link. Parents must complete the consent forms before a student’s place can be confirmed. Teachers will be informed which students have been offered a place after the deadline. Students who are or have been in local authority care will be guaranteed a place on their chosen event provided they apply before the deadline in January.

Evaluation – quotes or reports

I really enjoyed the practical side of the Law and Criminology uni taster, especially when we got to do fingerprint testing and see how forensics actually work in real life. It was interesting getting involved hands-on and seeing how evidence is collected and used in investigations. - Tasnia, Mulberry school

The Psychology uni taster really did consolidate my thought process of what path I would like to take into the future in my career, it really opened my eyes on the different aspects of psychology and really delved deep into parts I hadn’t thought about. Overall, I really enjoyed this experience and would like to thank you for this opportunity I have received. - Fariha, Mulberry School

- I went to the Creative Industries and Journalism Taster Days. I really enjoyed all the three days! I particularly enjoyed the practical activities and I believe it really boosted my confidence. I recommend making friends as well, as it makes the experience more enjoyable! - Isabel, Saracens High School

GCSE English and Maths Revision Days

Who is it for?

GCSE Students in Year 10 and 11 who are on the borderline of achieving Grade 4/5 in Maths or English.

What does it include?

Two-day GCSE revision days in Mathematics and English take place at the University, where 20 students from your school will receive intensive revision support, with one-to-one tutoring support from undergraduate students. Attendees will also gain an insight into higher education and university life

When will it be?

Revision days run during the Spring and Summer Terms, with availability for the sessions to be run during the half term holidays.

How do you apply/get in contact?

Target schools and will be contacted in autumn with programme details. For more information contact wptutoring@citystgeorges.ac.uk.

ASCEND

Who is it for?

ASCEND is a targeted initiative aimed at raising the attainment and aspirations of Black Caribbean, African and Mixed Heritage learners, primarily focusing on Key Stage 4 students (Year 10 and Year 11). Maximum 15 places per school.

What does it involve?

The ASCEND programme offers a range of interventions and activities over a two-year period. These include Year 11 GCSE Mathematics and English Revision Days,  ASCEND Black Professional Conference (Spring Term) for Year 10s, Year 10 Mathematics GCSE Revision Day , Year 10 Visit days and  Year 10 and Year 11 Tutoring – Target schools only

When will it be?

Program start in the Autum term, schools book days and time for tutoring activities, conference takes place in March and Y10 visit day in February.

How to apply/get in contact?

Contact Leanne Allen for more information on how to get your students involved.

UniFocus Days

Who is it for?

Post 16

What does it involve?

A series of subject specific day long events that will raise attainment, awareness, and confidence of year 12 students who are thinking about or plan to study that subject at university. The events will help students make informed choices about going into higher education and provide a focused understanding of what it is like to study a specific subject.

Attendees will meet current City, University students and find out more about life as a university student in their subject of interest as well as meeting industry professionals. There will be interactive workshops and mini lectures provided by academics from the subject department that demonstrate the universities unique facilities, a campus tour and a subject focused talk provided by our careers adviser.

When will it be?

January to June 2025 (dates still TBC)

How do you apply/get in contact?

Apply here

Email: joseph.jackson@citystgeorges.ac.uk

UniMentors

Who is it for?

Year 12 and 13 students, looking to find out more about university and be more confident in making decisions about life after sixth form

What does it involve?

Students attend 4 weekly 1:1 meetings at school with their UniMentor. Students set the agenda of meetings, based on what they want to learn and explore about HE. Students also attend on-campus Launch and Celebration events, touring campus, learning about different courses through speed networking with student ambassadors, looking at student finance and the UCAS process, and reflecting on what they've learnt on the programme.

When will it be?

UniMentors runs for 6 weeks during February and March each year.

How do you apply/get in contact?

Target schools and colleges will be contacted in autumn with programme details. Interested students must complete an application and be committed to attending all sessions.

Evaluation

• 96% felt more confident about their plans after sixth form/college
• 100% gained a good understanding of the social, leisure and extra curricular opportunities at university
• 86% agreed UniMentors helped them understand if university is the right choice for them

"My UniMentor was very kind and helpful throughout the programme. She offered great experience & advice which has helped me massively in my decision making relating to university."

Download the Evaluation report 2025 for more details.

Who is it for?

Secondary schools, sixth formers and college students from year 9 to year 13

What does it involve?

Information, Advice and Guidance at City St George’s encompasses a wide range of activities aimed at helping students making informed decisions about their education and future careers. These activities can be delivered in school college or in campus and include:

One to one Careers guidance appointments

For year 9 to year 13 students who would otherwise not receive a guidance interview through their school or college’s career guidance provision. All students will receive a personalised careers action plan following their appointment. The careers appointment will support students with:

• Understanding themselves and their strengths
• Exploring their future options
• Developing realistic, well-informed plans for their next steps.

Targeted HE Entry sessions

These sessions aim to support students’ understanding of Higher Education  and related careers options. Topics include,  Introduction to HE, Applying to University, Information on student finance and budgeting,  How to write an effective Personal statement and Post-16 pathways.

Assemblies and school talks

Group Assemblies on Careers Guidance and HE entry topics, delivered with support from Student Ambassadors. Talks can be tailored to year group and area of interest, depending on staff and ambassador availability.

Parents Evenings

We can attend parent’s evenings to provide impartial information and advice to parents and their children. Example of topics:  Benefits of higher education; How to best support your child with career exploration and course decision-making.

How do you apply/get in contact?

Email the widening participation team  wpteam@citystgeorges.ac.uk

Primary practice

Who is it for?

Primary Practice aims to introduce Year 6 pupils to the world of medicine and healthcare and help them develop the skills required for a positive and successful transition into secondary school.

Local primary schools are invited to participate if their school aligns with the City St George’s Widening Participation team’s objectives, for example, if the school has a high number of pupils from underrepresented backgrounds, as well as a high number of pupils receiving free school meals.

What does it involve?

The programme is comprised of the following components and led by trained Student Ambassadors:

• An information session to give pupils, parents, and carers a taste of the programme
• 5 after school club schools which follow the journey of patient Ash from injury to recovery. Whilst following Ash’s story, pupils learn about different areas of healthcare
• Taster day on campus.
• 3-day, non-residential summer school.
• Graduation ceremony – pupils and their families return to campus after they have joined their new secondary school to reflect on what they have achieved on the programme.

Evaluation

The evaluation of the Primary Practice programme has shown promising results, with findings suggesting that the programme has made a positive impact on pupils by increasing their resilience, confidence and interest in science and healthcare.

"Before the programme my daughter was just interested in playing and in swimming … but now she really wants to be successful in medicine. She knows that it takes hard work, and so she is very committed to getting good grades.”

- Parent of participant

Impact reports

You can download the brochure for the Primary Practice impact report below:

• Primary Practice Evaluation Report February 2025
• Primary Practice Evaluation Report February 2024
• Primary Practice Evaluation Report January 2023

Science Stars

Who is it for?

The Science Stars raising attainment programme aims to boost Year 11 pupils’ GCSE grades. Pupils who require extra support to move from Grade 4 to Grade 5/6 in their Double Science GCSE are specifically targeted for this programme.

Local schools are invited to participate if their school aligns with the City St George’s Widening Participation team’s objectives; for example, if the school has a high number of pupils from underrepresented backgrounds, as well as a high number of pupils receiving free school meals.

What does it involve?

Between October and April, the pupils meet weekly with trained City St George’s university student ambassadors to receive customised science tutoring. Each session is delivered in small groups (3 pupils to 1 St George’s Tutor) and is tailored to the participant’s individual needs.

Evaluation

The evaluation of the Science Stars programme has shown very promising results. Statistically significant effects on academic attainment were observed both years, suggesting that the programme has the potential to deliver meaningful improvement for young people in their Science GCSE examinations.

Download the evaluation reports below:

• Science Stars summary evaluation report (2024 - 2025)
• Science Stars summary evaluation report (2023-2024)
• Science Stars summary evaluation report (2022-23)
• Science Stars summary evaluation report (2021-22)
• Science Stars summary evaluation report (2020-21)
• Science Stars summary evaluation report (2019-2020)
• Science Stars summary evaluation report (2018-19)

By taking part in Science Stars I really feel that I am giving back to the younger generation.

Insight to Healthcare

What is the Insight to Healthcare programme?

This programme is aimed at Year 12 students in Greater London who are interested in studying one of the following healthcare courses in the future:

• Medicine
• Paramedic Science
• Physiotherapy

By being involved in the programme you will attend five core events. During these sessions you will gain valuable insight into your chosen subject pathway, including developing the skills needed for a future in healthcare and understanding the key components required to submit a strong application.

You will also have the coveted opportunity to meet a healthcare professional, gaining a greater knowledge of the career and having your questions answered.

What can I expect?

The Insight to Healthcare programme will consist of five core sessions. Please note, all onsite sessions will take place at our Tooting Campus, unless stated otherwise.

The structure of the programme will be as follows:

• Programme Launch – The introduction session will take place on Saturday 18 April from 09:30am to 2:30pm. During this event you will be introduced to the programme, getting to meet some of our current students and other participants. You will also get to find out more about teaching at a university level. This session will take place onsite.
• Clinical Skills – The clinical skills session will take place on Saturday 16 May from 09:30am – 2:30pm In this session you will get the chance to visit our clinical skills labs to practice some key clinical skills healthcare professionals need, such as taking a patient's blood pressure or basic life support.
• Meet the Professional – During this virtual session you will meet a healthcare professional in your chosen field. In small groups, you will find out more about their role, the skills required for the pathway and how these are applied to provide excellent patient care. You will be required to attend one session from the following dates in June or July: June 29 (Medicine only), June 30, 8 July or July 9. This session will take place online from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on one of the outlined dates. We will request your availability when you apply for the programme and will endeavour to give you your first choice where possible. You will be notified of your allocation when you join the programme.
• Work Experience - All students will be invited to attend a work experience opportunity in the form of either shadowing or an onsite skills day, depending on your strand.
  • For students on the medicine strand, you will have 1 to 2 days of in-person work experience between either 21 – 24 July, 27 – 29 July or 3 – 7 August. This will take place in one of our partner GP practices in South London. Prior to your work experience, you will be required to attend an online work experience preparation session on Thursday 16 July, 5:00pm - 6:00pm.
  • For students on the paramedic science strand, you will have you will have a skills day, onsite, in our teaching facilities, on Wednesday 22nd July, 09:30am - 2:30pm. During the session you will work through a variety of activities to develop your understanding of the profession and how the course is taught at university.
  • For students on the physiotherapy strand, you will have a skills day onsite, in our teaching facilities, on Wednesday 29th July, 09:30am - 2:30pm. During the session you will work through a variety of activities to develop your understanding of the profession and how the course is taught at university.
• Reflection Session – This session will take place onsite on Saturday 5 September between 9:30am to 2:30pm. We will finish the programme with a celebration of your achievements, where you will have the opportunity to reflect on the programme. In addition, we will explore the application process, with an emphasis on preparing for interviews and how to use reflective practice to speak about your experiences and suitability. Throughout the programme, you’ll be working directly with current healthcare students, gaining insight into areas of the application process and finding out more about student life and what it’s like to study at university.
• Please note, work experience placements for students on the medicine strand will be contingent on placement supervisor availability. As such, whilst we will strive to provide all students with at least one day of shadowing, please be aware this cannot be guaranteed. You are not able to choose your placement dates and should be available for all potential dates outlined when completing the application form.

What will expected of you?

If you are a student on the Medicine strand, you will be required to work through the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) Observe GP work experience platform before your 'Meet the Professional' session. This will help you come to the session equipped to fully participate and consider any questions you might wish to ask the GP.

For participants on the Paramedic Science or Physiotherapy strands, we may also ask you to review additional resources to help you prepare for the programme and your 'Meet the Professional' session.

You will also need to ensure that you can commit to attend all the sessions in the programme. This is critical for the programme’s longevity and for maintaining relationships with healthcare professionals who give up their time to support the programme. In addition, you will be expected to come prepared for each session and participate fully.

When will the sessions take place?

• Programme Launch – Saturday 18 April, 09:30 to 2:30pm, in-person at City St George's, University of London (Tooting campus).
• Clinical Skills - Saturday 16 May, 9:30am to 2:30pm, in-person at City St George's, University of London (Tooting campus).
• Meet the Professional – One session on either 29 (Medicine only), 30, 8, 9 June, 5pm to 7pm, online.
• Work Experience/Skills Days
  • For medics this will take place on two dates across the following dates:
    • Week 1 – 21 – 24 July
    • Week 2 – 27 – 29 July
    • Week 3 – 3 – 7 August
  • Your practice will set the dates and times of your work experience opportunity and you will be expected to be available for all those listed above when you apply for the programme.
  • Medics will also have a work experience preparation session online on Thursday 16 July, 05:00pm to 06:00pm to support you to feel prepared for your shadowing opportunity.
  • For students on the paramedic science strand, you will have a one-day skills session will take place on Wednesday 22 July from 09:30 – 14:30. The session will take place in-person at City St George's, University of London (Tooting campus).
• For students on the physiotherapy strand, you will have a one-day skills session will take place on Wednesday 29 July from 09:30 – 14:30. The session will take place in-person at City St George's, University of London (Tooting campus).
• Reflection Session – Saturday 5 September, 09:30am to 2:30pm, in person at City St George's, University of London (Tooting campus).

Who can apply?

To be eligible to apply, students need to meet the minimum eligibility criteria:

• Currently in Year 12 and aged 16-17 when applying to the programme
• Currently attending a non-selective college/sixth form in Greater London
• Interested in studying one of either medicine, paramedic science or physiotherapy at university
• Be academically on track to study your chosen subject in future (Please check our course entry requirements before applying)
• Be committed to attending all sessions required for the programme. Please note, this will include visiting us onsite for several of the sessions at our campus in Tooting
• Have a device with internet access, a microphone and a webcam to join virtual sessions

Please note, we have a limited number of places on the programme. As such, where we have more applicants than participants on the programme, we will select participants based on how closely their application meets our contextual admissions policy. This criterion includes:

• Care Experienced Students (Care Leavers)
• Students with Care Responsibilities (Carers)
• Refugees and Asylum Seekers
• Estranged Students
• Go to a school with an average A level grade of C- or below
• Go to a school with low progression to Higher Education
• Live in an area where very few people go on to Higher Education – You can check your postcode here.
• Live in an area with higher levels of deprivation – You can check your postcode here.
• In receipt of free school meals – This includes if you have been previously, or are currently in receipt of free school meals.

Further details of all the above criteria, including why they are used, can be found on the contextual admissions section of our website. Please note, this programme is based on the Tooting Campus and we will therefore using the Tooting Contextual Admissions Policy, also titled ‘Legacy St George’s’ on the contextual admissions webpage.

Students will be prioritised based on how closely they meet the eligibility criteria for the programme and shortlisted accordingly should we have a high number of applications. We will also review and confirm all information supplied where needed. If you’re unsure about whether you meet any of the criteria for the programme, you can contact the admissions team.

How can I apply?

You can apply to the programme using the following form:

• Insight to Healthcare Programme 2026 – Fill in form

Please note, you will need your predicted grades, or target grades, when you apply for the programme. You will also need to provide us with your parent/carer’s details and a detail of a teacher we can contact for a reference. Please have these ready when you apply and notify your parent/carer and teacher reference that they may be contacted about your application for the programme.

Applications to the programme will close at the end of the day on Sunday 1st March.

If you have any questions about the programme, please contact the Widening Participation Team via wp@sgul.ac.uk

Futures Fairs

The Futures Fairs are held bi-annually with Year 12 students to visit us onsite to participate in a networking event to find out more about our undergraduate courses and the career opportunities they provide. The fairs are supported by academics and current students.

Schools/colleges are contacted directly to be invited to join us onsite and participate in the event.

Mock multiple mini interviews (MMIs) are held onsite to support aspiring healthcare students to develop their confidence and prepare for their interviews.

Online interview workshops are also held in winter to be able to support a wider scope of aspiring students.

School of Health and Medical Sciences Lecture Series

The School of Health and Medical Sciences Lecture Series is for students aged 16-18 who are considering a future career in health or science. Each month, during term time, a guest speaker (usually an academic or current healthcare professional) will deliver a lecture on area of interest to them to provide greater awareness of the breadth of opportunities available in healthcare and science. The series is tailored to young people to help them consider their future pathway.

Tickets are free to book, and you can find out more about each month’s topic on the event’s section of the City St George’s website.

If you have any questions about the programme, please contact the Widening Participation Team via wp@sgul.ac.uk