Derby Scholars

Derby Scholars

Derby Scholars is an outreach programme supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds throughout Derby to apply to Oxbridge and high-tariff universities with confidence. Since launching in 2019-20, it has worked to improve awareness, confidence, and application success rates. The programme supports Year 9 and Year 12 students, providing workshops and resources to enhance their understanding of higher education pathways. Baseline and end-of-programme evaluations assess students’ knowledge, attitudes, and progression plans. 

Feedback from teachers and students throughout the region, highlights the need for continued support in raising awareness and aspirations. Many academically able students report a lack of knowledge or confidence to apply, often holding misconceptions that Oxbridge and high tariff universities/courses “isn’t for them." 

Throughout the multi-intervention programme, students develop key skills, engage in academic activities, and gain insight and support with the Oxbridge/high tariff application processes.

Impact - Year 9

The below graphics illustrate the attitudinal responses from Y9 learners who took part in the Derby Scholars Programme.

Attitudes towards Higher education

The number of students thinking about applying to Oxbridge/Competitive course in sixth form

Knowledge of higher education

The number of students who Strongly Agree/Agree they have good knowledge to make an informed decision about their future HE course choices

Year 9 evaluations indicate a largely positive experience from participation on the programme. Drawing comparisons between the baseline and endpoint evaluations, participants considering future progression to OxBridge/high tariff points increased by 39 percentage points (pp).  Additionally, students confirmed they had gained more knowledge to help them make informed decisions about their futures, with a 6pp increase with students strongly agreeing, and an increase of 10pp of students agreeing they now have good knowledge to make informed decisions. 

2024 quotes – year 9 

• “It gives a good insight into the options available, and I wouldn’t have explored these options without the scholars program.” 
• “It provided an opportunity to grasp the possibilities for the future and understand what university would be like. All questions are answered from people with experience. The support and guidance were immensely helpful as a young person in this society I feel extremely grateful to have had such a first hand experience.” 
• “Helpful when it comes to getting prepared for university and it prepares you for what’s to come.” 

Impact - Year 12

The year 12 programme is more intensive, and involves sessions to support students to not only gained knowledge of the application processes for OxBridge, but guidance provided to navigate the complexities of the application processes.   

The below graphics illustrate the attitudinal responses from Y12 learners who took part in the Derby Scholars Programme.

Attitudes towards higher education

Number of students currently considering applying to Cambridge/Oxford/Russel Group Universities

Attitudes towards higher education

Number of students with confirmed progression plans

Using analysis from the baseline and endpoint programmes, 33% of participating students reported they were definitely intending to apply for OxBridge/high tariff courses.  On receipt of end point evaluations, 46% (increase of 13pp) confirmed their applications had been submitted for Oxbridge/high tariff courses, and 42% of students confirmed applications to other universities.   

Yr12 Quotes 

• “Helped me with fundamental skills essential to excel at university. With the support from the staff members of Derby Scholar, I believe i achieved my full potential on things such as my personal statement and overall application.” 
• “It is a very beneficial course if you are interested in going to Oxbridge and the student life there. Additionally, if you are not sure where to start with personal statements, unsure how to find/quote academic research, or have questions about student/apprenticeship life, the course supports you throughout your journey.” 
• “Very impactful and informative on how to apply to different types of further education. It makes the process much more comfortable in terms of stress, as you know there is always someone reliable to review your personal statement if the teachers at your school are not.”