Access and Student Success Strategy

Over the next five years, we will:

1. Develop lifelong learning provision to enable access and skills development at all stages of the educational journey.
2. Strengthen existing programmes to enable access and retain diverse communities of students.
3. Build strong and supportive relationships to enhance belonging, improve outcomes, and equip students for success at university and beyond.
4. Proactively engage and support students to achieve academic success.

We will do this through:

1. Building an anti-discrimination and global approach.
2. Listening to our students and build a culture of evaluation and research to drive approach.
3. Enhancing ways of working for staff and students using digital technologies.
4. Consistent operationalisation of strategy through governance, efficient and sustainable operations and staff development.

Our ambition is that in 2030, every Leeds student will be able to say the following three things:

“I feel supported and welcomed”

How we will do this:

• Pre-entry/arrival: We will be an exemplar of lifelong learning attracting talented and diverse students.
• University experience (academic/co-curricular): Leeds fosters a vibrant, inclusive community that celebrates students from diverse backgrounds.
• Progression (employability/alumni): Students understand how we will support them in preparing for next steps pre-application and throughout their time at Leeds.

“I can succeed and thrive”

How we will do this:

• Pre-entry/arrival: Sustained engagement will ensure that prospective students understand the benefit of education at the University of Leeds, prior lived experience is not a barrier and they are prepared for transition to Leeds.
• University experience (academic/co-curricular): Our delivery of the student experience ensures that students can transition between years of study successfully fulfilling their definition of success.
• Progression (employability/alumni): Our students are able to prepare for their futures by programmes and wraparound support activities which embed employability and help students build a plan for their next steps.

“We connect with our community”

• Pre-entry/arrival: Our commitment to civic responsibility enhances the social, economic and cultural life of communities.
• University experience (academic/co-curricular): Our personalised approach to advising enhances engagement alongside academic development, wellbeing and progression.
• Progression (employability/alumni): Our students and alumni access opportunities to enhance employability meeting their needs and circumstances.