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A-COMPS (Apply Competitively into STEM) is a UCL Computer Science mentoring scheme which supports students from disadvantaged or under-represented backgrounds enter higher education.
What is the A-COMPS mentoring programme?
A-COMPS is an 18-month mentoring programme for London-based A-level students who are interested in pursuing computer science, technology and engineering subjects at university.
The scheme aims to level the playing field by supporting pupils from disadvantaged and under-represented backgrounds into higher education (HE) and instil a belief in the next generation of STEM-based students and researchers that they deserve fair access.
The inaugural programme, which is the first HE-led mentoring scheme of its kind, ran from March 2022 until August 2023.
94% of mentees received offers from Russell Group universities, with 79% of them going on to enrol at those top UK institutions.
How do mentees benefit?
Mentees are taught by leading experts in computer science, giving them an opportunity to discover their skills, strengths and potential career options.
Students benefit from:
- one-to-one academic and personal mentoring;
- work experience in research labs;
- Inspirational lectures from leading academics;
- expert-led workshops on UCAS applications, writing personal statements and student finance.
Who participates in A-COMPS?
Mentees
Participating students have been chosen from two state schools:
- Newham Collegiate Sixth Form in East London
- St Thomas the Apostle in South London
During the first cohort of the programme, 22 mentees were selected based on their predicted grades and a commitment to studying a STEM-based subject at university.
The mentees have successfully been offered places at a number of Russell group universities including Cambridge, Imperial, UCL, Kings College London and Queen Mary. Positive feedback about the programme has been shared by the mentees:
Mentee One
“This programme has given me an invaluable insight into both the worlds of computer science and engineering and also the culture at UCL. It has been so inspiring and interesting to have one on one conversations with such an experienced person who is as eager to help me as I am to learn from them. This has helped me figure out what I want to do and how I can get to that position.”
Mentee Two
“The programme has been amazing in preparing me for university and exams. By providing me with a mentor who has been dedicated and supportive in each weekly session in helping me to improve and become even better at my subjects. She has also been incredibly helpful in building my personal statement, in addition to providing an insightful work experience at UCL.”
Mentee Three
"I think A-COMPS really helped me get an insight of what lies in the future after college. Getting to know my mentor inspired me as to why I want to study at university as well as considering which path to follow."
Mentors
20 staff members from UCL Computer Science have taken part in the scheme, including academics, post-doctoral researchers and postgraduate teaching assistants.
How are they matched?
Mentees are allocated mentors based on the type of academic and personal support that they are seeking. For example, a mentee may request a mentor who can provide support with physics and maths, and who identifies as a woman.
Want to get involved?
The next recruitment cycle will begin in September 2025 where schools can express an interest in joining the programme.
Academic requirements and eligibility criteria
UCL Computer Science is looking to work with state schools based in London.
The programme is aimed at A-level pupils from low-income backgrounds and / or under-represented communities who are excited about Computer Science and / or Engineering, and pupils who want to study at university.
We particularly encourage applications from pupils from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds.
Students on the programme must be predicted AAB and must be studying A Level Maths.
Register your interest
Registration will open for schools from September 2025.