Access to Queen Mary supports the entrance of students under-represented at Russell Group universities to study at Queen Mary, the most inclusive university of its kind!
Through an 18-month programme of activities, we aim to help students become more prepared for and successful in, higher education. Students who successfully complete the programme will not only have benefited from tailored academic and pastoral support but will benefit from a contextual offer to Queen Mary*.
We are currently working with state schools and colleges in target regions across Kent, Medway and Essex.
We also ask that students check they meet the individual eligibility criteria before applying.
Step one:
In order to be eligible to apply, students must meet all of the criteria outlined in step one.
Attend a state-funded school or college.
Are currently studying in Year 12 (or equivalent)
Have achieved at least five A*-B or 5-9 GCSE grades, with at least a 5 in English and Maths.
Be a Home registered student or expect to be by the time they apply for higher education,
Reside in an area outside of London but commutable to campus. Specifically, this programme targets students in Kent, Medway and Essex but applications will be considered from other commutable towns*.
Step two:
Students must meet two points from the below widening participation eligibility criteria. Where a programme is oversubscribed, students who meet the highest point score will be offered a place on the programme.
Are currently, or have previously lived in local authority care, or is permanently estranged from both parents (applicant to expand in free text box below)
2
Has a disability defined under the ‘Equality Act 2010’. A physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.
Be living in an area of high deprivation (IMD Quintile 1 or 2) or be living in an area of socio-economic disadvantage (ACORN group M, N, P, Q, R, S or U).
1
Are a young carer (you look after a relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem).
Were previously entitled to Free School Meals during Key Stage 4, or are currently in receipt of the 16-19 bursary.
Are living in an area of low-participation to higher education (TUNDRA Quintile 1 or 2).
Neither parent or carer has attended higher education in the UK or abroad
Are a refugee or asylum seeker.
Are from Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller background, inclusive of Showmen and Boater communities
*We welcome applications from students in London and Greater London who meet the criteria for care experience, are estranged from parents, or who have a disability defined under the Equality Act 2010.
If your young person has applied to the programme, or been offered a place, you may receive an email requesting parental consent. Please complete this within seven working days of receiving the email.
Where possible, we try to ensure that all sessions are accessible of an evening, weekend or during the summer holidays. There may be a limited number of times a student is asked to attend a session in school time and for this, we will work with the school or college to find a suitable date.
Absolutely not. The programme will help prepare young people for studying at university and if they successfully complete the programme, they may be eligible for a reduced offer or additional consideration at application stage. Participation will in no way negatively impact an application.
We will occasionally invite you to attend events, such as Launch Event and any specific events targeted at parents and carers. Whilst we’d encourage you to attend, it is completely optional. If you have any access or additional requirements then please do inform the team ahead of time so that we can best support you.
We’d be happy to answer further questions via email, or by arranging a suitable time for a phone call. Please email accesstoqm@qmul.ac.uk with your questions and details of your young person’s application.