Working with schools

Getting a taste of university life can have a big impact on a young person, and their motivation for education. At the University of Liverpool, we provide an extensive range of activities, programmes and events to introduce the culture and concepts of studying at university.

We are delighted to be able to offer primary schools, secondary school, Sixth Forms and Further Education Colleges the opportunity to participate in our innovative outreach activities, tailored to the needs of the young person and their school. We particularly welcome schools and colleges with high numbers of students on role who live in neighbourhoods where progression to university is low.

Primary

We have been delivering inspiring outreach work in primary schools across Merseyside since 2000. We aim to raise the aspirations of the children and young people we work with, teaching them about their educational journey, future educational choices and introducing the concept of university. Across in school sessions and on campus events, children learn key vocabulary and work with current undergraduate students, who act as positive role models and can answer any questions children have about university. Through familiarisation with the university campus and different places to learn, children also feel more comfortable with transition into secondary school.

To discuss getting involved in our primary programmes, please contact Abbie Harrendence: abbie.harrendence@liverpool.ac.uk

Secondary

Campus visits 

We are pleased to offer campus visits for schools who have high proportions of students in receipt of free school meals/pupil premium and whose students are under represented in higher education. We offer both general higher education campus visits and themed visits, which allow students to experience life at the University first hand. On campus visits students have the opportunity to see the facilities through a campus tour with our Liverpool Advocates, meet current undergraduate students, take part in workshops and taster sessions and attend a sample lecture to broaden their knowledge of teaching and learning styles in higher education. 

Please contact widepart@liverpool.ac.uk for further information.

Merseyside Young Health and Life Scientists

Merseyside Young Health and Life Scientists (MYHLS), delivered in collaboration with our Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Students in Years 9-11, who are from under represented groups and have an interest in studying health and life sciences subjects at university take part in a rolling three year programme of health related activities and support. 

For more information, please see our MYHLS webpage.

Summer Schools 

Year 10 students from local schools are able to attend our Summer Schools, who aim to improve understanding of student life, raise aspirations and aid in goal setting for the future. Students take part in hands on academic workshops delivered by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Faculty of Science and Engineering, which give them an insight into how students learn at university, and the resources and equipment that is used. Students gain an appreciation into the skills and knowledge university offers, and how this can lead to rewarding and exciting careers. 

Students will also take part in sessions delivered by the Widening Participation team, on themes such as Student Finance, Global Opportunities and student life, giving them a broader understanding of what university has to offer beyond the academics. 

Place are limited, to discuss whether your school would be eligible, please contact Emily Walsh: smailes@liverpool.ac.uk

Mentoring and tutoring

We offer subject specific mentoring and tutoring programmes in schools and community settings for pupils in Years 9-13, on both a small group and individual basis. Our offer is tailored to meet the needs of the school or community group and is subject to eligibility requirements, with past projects including 

• GCSE English, Maths and Science tutoring at the Liverpool Arabic Centre 
• English, Maths and Science tutoring in Huyton Library for Looked After Children in Years 10-12, in collaboration with Knowsley Local Authority.

We also run the highly successful Fast Trackers mentoring programme. 

For more information please contact the WPO Team: widepart@liverpool.ac.uk. 

Post-16

Liverpool Scholars Programme

At the University of Liverpool, we are committed to supporting talented students who wish to access higher education, regardless of background. The Liverpool Scholars programme does this by offering Year 12 students the chance to take part in a range of activities aimed at preparing them for university life, including academic skills workshops, lectures, seminars, mentoring and more. Students who successfully complete the programme then recieve a reduced offer at the University of Liverpool. 

For more information visit our Liverpool Scholars webpage.

Pathways to Professions

Delivered in collaboration with the Sutton Trust, we offer the Pathways to Banking and Finance and Pathways to Engineering programmes, to allow every student to develop the skills, network and opportunities to explore and break into their dream job. Pathways supports students from under represented backgrounds to access and succeed in competitive degree programmes and exclusive graduate careers. 

For more information, please visit our Pathways to Professions web page.

Destinations Summer Schools 

We offer both residential and non-residential summer schools for eligible Y12 students interested in competitive courses at University. We typically offer: 

• Destination Medicine, for aspiring medical students 
• Destination Dentistry, for aspiring dental students 
• Destination Vets, for aspiring veterinary science students. 

Please visit the relevant Destination page to find out more, including eligibility and how to apply.