School pupils celebrate success on UCL Maths and Literacy attainment-raising programmes

On 10 June, we welcomed onto campus 100 participants from UCL Accelerate, a maths tutoring programme for Year 10 students, along with 100 Year 7 pupils from UCL’s Next Chapter programme, which helps students develop key reading skills. The students joined UCL staff for an end-of-programme celebration event after twelve weeks of sessions.  

Both programmes are delivered by UCL’s Widening Participation team and are designed to support in-school attainment among underrepresented students, helping to raise academic achievement and encourage progression to higher education. Developed in partnership with two specialist organisations: Maths Education in Industry (MEI), and the National Literacy Trust, both programmes have been created in collaboration with schools, to align with key curriculum priorities.

Sessions are delivered over twelve weeks for students from six participating schools, by UCL student tutors who work with small groups of pupils, building their skills, confidence and subject knowledge. Accelerate Graduates go on to gain access to online sessions, that provide guidance on A-level choices, study skills, university applications, and personal statements. Both programmes demonstrate the importance of working with schools to support the attainment of students, as research has consistently found this is a key driver for progression to higher education.

The celebration event gave students the chance to reflect on how far they had come since the programmes launched earlier this year. 

Sentiments from participants included positive affirmations such as “I am more capable than expected, I just have to put the work in,” and “Always put maximum effort into things you do, and you will improve.” 

A highlight of the day was the graduation ceremony, where students marked the completion of their tutoring journey and graduated in style, with caps and gowns generously provided free of charge by Marston Events. 

Recognising achievement

The event recognised the commitment shown by pupils throughout the programme. Alongside weekly tutoring sessions, participants attended a launch event and took part in twelve weeks of tutoring delivered in their schools. Pupils completed both pre and post programme tests in their subject areas, and reported much higher confidence in their subject areas. 

For many participants, it was an opportunity not only to celebrate their achievements, but also to experience life at a university and strengthen their sense of belonging in that environment. Throughout the day, participants toured the UCL campus, received individual and school awards, and had their accomplishments recognised by their peers and tutors.  

The celebrations also recognised the contribution of the UCL students who delivered tutoring week after week in schools across London. Their dedication, care and encouragement helped participants develop both academically and personally throughout the programme. 

One UCL student tutor said:

“I would describe my experience of tutoring as both rewarding and personally enriching. This experience has strengthened my ability to communicate ideas clearly, adapt explanations to different learning styles, and build students’ confidence over time. I have particularly enjoyed seeing students become more engaged as their understanding of the topics improve.” 

Another student tutor enthused:

“I have absolutely loved working on the Next Chapter Programme - one of, if not the most rewarding experience of my life! The students were incredibly enthusiastic, engaged, and made great progress. Most importantly, they really enjoyed the sessions, allying fun with learning!” 

Behind every achievement 

Hana Standing-Tattersall, Programme Lead for Accelerate, said: 

“The event was a fantastic way to celebrate all the students' and their hard work. It was also a great opportunity for students to reflect on the past 12 weeks, and it was wonderful to hear what they’d gained from the programme. Watching them graduate in their caps and gowns was definitely the highlight!” 

Whitney Robinson, Programme Lead for Next Chapter, said: 

It was a privilege to celebrate the achievements of our Year 7 Next Chapter students and see them reflect on their reading journeys. The creativity and teamwork they showed when working with students from other schools was inspiring, with groups producing debates, puzzles, artwork and even costumes to explore what reading means to them.” 

The event concluded a successful year for both programmes, with positive feedback from participants, tutors and school staff. This year's celebration events come as the Access and Widening Participation Office marks its 25th anniversary. Since UCL's first widening participation strategy was introduced in 2001, the university has worked with hundreds of thousands of young people through outreach, attainment-raising and transition programmes designed to help students access and succeed in higher education. 

Accelerate and Next Chapter continue that commitment, supporting students to develop their confidence, skills and aspirations through sustained engagement with UCL. 

Further links: 

• UCL Accelerate: Maths Tutoring Programme
• UCL Next Chapter: Literacy Tutoring Programme
• 25 years of widening participation at UCL