The Linacre Institute

The Linacre Institute

At a glance

Causes

  • Education
  • Training / employment support
  • Young people

Other details

Geographical remit: 
Regional

Objectives

We are a small charity which works to give young people from the ex-industrial North, particularly Yorkshire, the skills and support to reach the best universities and to fulfil their potential. We partner with secondary schools to provide a pathway of aspiration for their students. Our personalised and intensive programme has already helped many students from deprived areas reach the world’s best universities.

Linacre has only been in existence for five years, but since the start of our programmes, 89% of Linacre students have won offers from one of the UK’s 12 most selective universities. They are also 27 times more likely to apply to Oxbridge than “potential applicants” in similar areas according to comparison by Ucas' Strobe report in 2018.

Activities

Each place on our programme involves the following elements:

1. A unique selection procedure 

Academic interview, logical-thinking test, teacher feedback, GCSE profile. Allows us to spot talent missed in school. Students with just one A* at GCSE have, for example, reached Oxbridge via Reach Higher.

 

2. Westminster ‘Big Ideas’ summer school

July, Year 12. Boosts confidence, cultural capital and intellectual agility. In the mornings, expert teaching beyond the curriculum at Westminster School. In afternoons, workshops at landmark destinations: the Houses of Parliament, the Globe Theatre, the National Physical Laboratory, a leading City law firm and many others.

In the evenings, exploring London’s cultural riches.

 

3. Cambridge ‘Stepping Stones to World-Class Universities’ summer school

August, Year 12. Expert subject-specific, intensive tuition. Emphasis on justifying ideas orally. Admissions tests. Interview practice. Contextualising knowledge; teaching and tasks which stretch well beyond the curriculum. And tailored one-on-one advice on university applications.

 

4. Phone a Friend
August - December in Year 13. Skype tuition from first-class experts in students’ subjects (academics, teachers, current undergraduates and ex Linacre students) recruited via personal recommendation. Personalisable - can be aimed at extending subject knowledge, covering gaps in A level work, or Oxbridge preparation.

 

5. Buddying scheme and Alumni community

Buddying with a former Linacre student who was recently in your position on arrival at university. A lasting community of students and supporters where students can turn to for advice and opportunities.

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