Step-Up Model

Good Practice

The success of the programme has also received considerable attention across the sector and has recently been described by Universities UK in an independently commissioned report as "an outstanding example of best practice in the provision of educational opportunities for students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds".

This was highlighted in 2009 when the Step-Up Programme was shortlisted in the 'Widening Participation Initiative of the Year' category, at the Times Higher Education Awards.

This has led to universities in England, Scotland, Wales, the Republic of Ireland and the USA seeking guidance on the establishment of Step-Up programmes in their institutions.

Step-Up to the City

The most recent example is the collaboration with London City University and Islington Academy, who have adopted the Step-Up model to provide educational opportunities for young people in London.

‘Step-Up to the City’ is targeted at pupils from socially deprived backgrounds in inner-city London who would not have traditionally considered studying at Higher Education institutions. The initial programme will focus on Islington Academy’s specialism, Business and Enterprise.