Letters of Encouragement: Reaching Out to Disadvantaged Students for University Applications

Encouraging University Aspirations

In a groundbreaking initiative, nearly 10,000 students from disadvantaged backgrounds will soon receive encouraging letters from peers at King’s College London. This outreach aims to inspire high-achieving teenagers aged 16 to 18 to consider university as a viable option, breaking the stereotype that higher education is only for the elite.

Closing the Progression Gap

The initiative targets at least 9,200 pupils in schools with the lowest university progression rates. The stark contrast in progression statistics—31.2% for disadvantaged pupils versus over 50% for their peers—highlights the need for such efforts. In particular, the postcode disparity is alarming, with students in Redbridge almost three times more likely to pursue higher education than those in Knowsley, Merseyside.

Voices of Change

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson emphasized that success should rely on talent and hard work, not one’s background. She stated, “Universities need to do more to reach talented individuals from all walks of life.” A similar initiative previously indicated that a simple letter could significantly boost a teenager's chance of applying to prestigious universities.

Inspiring Future Generations

Kemi Adeyemi, a student involved in the letter-writing campaign, shared her hope that the initiative empowers young people to recognize their potential. “It should be based purely on you, your grades, and your choice alone,” she said. This initiative not only aims to motivate students but also to change the narrative surrounding university accessibility.