Posted 25 April 2025

For ten years, the University of Leeds’ Plus Programme has been a vital resource for students from under-represented backgrounds. Since our inception in 2014, we have grown from supporting 1,000 students to over 14,000, providing a comprehensive package of support for both undergraduates and postgraduates. 

Beginning in 2014-15 with 1,007 means-tested scholarship recipients and students entering through contextual admissions, the Plus Programme has grown significantly. Today, the yearly membership stands at approximately 6000 students from a wide variety of backgrounds. The programme supports students who are: 

• Eligible for a contextual admissions scheme 
• Care -experienced 
• Estranged 
• Recipients of Free School Meals 
• Forced migrants 
• Mature 
• Carers or previous young carers  
• Means-tested scholars 
• LPN/IMD Q1 
• From under-represented ethnicities 
• Studying/progressing from a Foundation Year 

Alongside our membership increasing nearly sixfold since the scheme’s inception, the percentage of members engaged in the Plus Programme  consistently continues to grow – increasing from 63% in 2022-23 to 69% in 2023/24. 

What began as small-scale events and mentoring has evolved with our students and their individual needs. Now, we offer a wide-ranging package that includes welcome, induction, and transition to financial aid, academic support, and building a sense of community. This holistic approach has proven effective, as the continuation rate of engaged (participating in 3+ interventions per year) undergraduate Plus Programme students is consistently higher than non-engaged home undergraduate students at the University of Leeds. Furthermore, engaged Plus Programme students matched the attainment rates of non-Plus Programme students, whereas non-engaged Plus Programme students were 9% and 12% lower in 2023-24 and 2022-23 respectively. 

Marking our ten-year milestone, we reflect on the proud moments and successes that have brought us to where we are today and look forward to continuing our mission of empowering students to succeed. 

Financial support 

We offer robust financial support to students at Leeds, including the Opportunities Fund, which provides up to £500 for development opportunities such as internships and conferences. Since its launch in 2017-18, the fund has made 1,000 awards, helping students overcome financial barriers and focus on their growth and success. This support has a significant impact on students, as Dearbhla (Y3 Environmental Science) shares, “The Opportunities Fund made me feel more included and like I belong at the University.” 

Student voice 

Launched in 2023, the Student Involvement Project places student voices at the core of our initiatives. By fostering collaborative relationships between university staff and students from Widening Participation backgrounds, the project ensures that students are genuinely heard and valued, leading to more meaningful and effective outcomes. Aurora Braka, a participant in the pilot project, reflects, “It was really nice to have those spontaneous, informal conversations that ended up having a positive impact and actual change.” 

Data driven 

Our data-first approach to evaluation involves analysing student engagement, retention, and awarding outcomes. This method identifies impactful activities, allowing us to focus efforts on initiatives that genuinely benefit students. By prioritising effective interventions, we ensure resources are invested where they make the most difference, continually adapting to meet our members’ needs. 

Looking ahead 

Our decade of success has laid the foundation for the University of Leeds’ new Student Success Centre (SSC). This centre embodies Leeds’ commitment to student achievement, offering comprehensive support through academic aid, financial guidance, and community-building initiatives. By building on our impact, the SSC ensures continued student success in a supportive and inclusive environment. 

If you would like to find out more about the Plus Programme, please get in touch with us by emailing theplusprogramme@leeds.ac.uk. 

 

Jessica Burgess, University of Leeds, Senior Communications Officer