A-COMPS mentoring programme
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 a 12-month mentoring programme for London-based A-level state school 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.
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
In the first cohort, participating students were chosen from two state schools:
- Newham Collegiate Sixth Form in East London
- St Thomas the Apostle in South London
In the second cohort, the number of participating schools doubled with the following new schools:
- Mossbourne Community Academy
- Mulberry School for Girls
In our third cohort which will commence in January 2026 we will be working with Clapton Girls’ Academy and The Sydney Russell School.
Cohort One
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.
Cohort Two
The second cohort started in October 2023 and concluded in August 2025. 100% of students progressed to university with nearly a third achieving three A*s and many progressing to Russell Group universities.
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.”
In the second cohort, 20 pupils were selected by the schools, and 18 of them accepted the invitation to become A-COPMS mentees.
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 for the 2025-2027 cohort is now closed.
