Lincoln launches flagship Access programme, Pathfinders

The College is proud to announce its new flagship access initiative, Pathfinders. In partnership with the University of Lincoln, our new programme will offer targeted, continuous support to school children (Year 9 and above) in the East Midlands who are eligible for free school meals.

The programme will give students the opportunity to receive ongoing information and advice to make informed choices about their future and potential. Youngsters will have the opportunity to attend residential stays and workshops in Oxford and Lincoln. There will also be additional information for parents and teachers about financing, university admissions, and skills development.

The Pathfinders programme wants students with academic ambitions to feel confident in applying to study at Lincoln. It is part of our commitment to recruiting the best students from all backgrounds, as well as encouraging applications from under-represented students who receive free school meals.

Dr Maryanne Saunders, Lincoln College Access and Career Development Fellow, says that her personal experience helped shape the programme. Dr Saunders said:

I had a state school education and received free school meals, and wanted to do a degree in History of Art. As a year 12 student I was invited to stay in Oxford for five days and attended seminars, classes, and museum visits to learn more about my chosen subject. The residential stay, and the social activities organised alongside it, far exceeded my hopes as a first generation, state-educated young person and motivated me to apply to Oxford for my undergraduate degree.

I would encourage young people from under-represented backgrounds to come and see what it’s like by taking part in our Pathfinders programme and take away similar inspiring and memorable experiences.

The programme will welcome its first cohort of students in the 2022 – 2023 academic year, with plans to expand in the future.