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Alumni Spotlight: Fatema

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:07:06 GMT

"T hroughout secondary school, the programme provided mentorship and encouragement. I remember looking forward to sharing my progress with Karen each session we had. "

From her early years in secondary school through to preparing for higher education, Fatema Ahmed found motivation, guidance, and a growing sense of confidence through her time on the Villiers Park Future Leaders Programme.

During her A-levels, Fatema faced challenges with Chemistry—until Villiers Park provided access to UpLearn, giving her targeted academic support right when she needed it most.

“Having that resource made a significant difference to my understanding and confidence in the subject, and it showed me the value of having the right academic support at the right time.”

Through opportunities designed to broaden horizons, Fatema found herself exploring environments she had never imagined visiting.

“One of the most meaningful aspects was being exposed to environments and experiences that I might not otherwise have encountered, such as the opportunity to visit and undertake placement activities at the House of Commons. Experiences like this helped broaden my understanding of possible career paths and strengthened my motivation to pursue higher education.”

These experiences helped Fatema explore her interests, build confidence, and take steps toward her future goals. Fatema’s journey shows how consistent support and new experiences can help young people grow, try new things and feel more confident about their next steps.

“Most impactful would probably the work experience provided, that I have continued to include on my CV to this day, which goes to show how lasting the opportunity has been for my academic and professional development.”

Staff Spotlight: Imrana Ali

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:26:50 GMT

This month we are spotlighting Imrana who joined our team in July 2025 as a Progression Coach in Swindon and Wiltshire.

With a degree in Interior Design, she brings a creative approach to her coaching, helping young people visualise their future pathways. Alongside work, her interests in photography, fitness, horse riding and baking all reflect the curiosity and creativity she brings into her role each day!

What first drew you to Villiers Park?

I was drawn to the organisation because of it ’ s strong values and how well they align with my own. This was along with the welcoming and supportive team culture, where colleagues encourage one another and recognise each other’s achievements.

What does your role involve, and how does it contribute to Villiers Park’s mission?

I am a Progression Coach for Swindon and Wiltshire, regularly visiting schools to deliver one-to-one coaching sessions with students in Years 10, 11 and 12. I also help support events like Leadership challenge or insight days for universities.

My role is to support young people in developing motivation and shaping their aspirations for the future. Having once been a young person questioning my own path, I am passionate about reassuring students that, with the right guidance, their ambitions are achievable.

What did you do before coming to Villiers Park?

I have always found myself drawn to working with young people, particularly those who seek support with worries and decisions about their future. My previous role as a youth worker enabled me to build strong connections with individuals of varying ages, from children to teenagers, and to understand their perspectives on the world.

How do you see your work making a difference for young people or colleagues?

In my work, I frequently support young people who feel that achieving their dreams is difficult or unrealistic. I aim to challenge this mindset by helping them recognise their strengths and potential, while offering guidance towards pathways that align with their passions.

This support helps young people gain confidence, see possibilities more clearly, and understand that there are many opportunities available to them.

What is a book you always will always recommend?

Psychology books are my top priority! “How emotions are made by Lusa Feldman Barrett” is so intriguing learning about the secrets of the brain and how to develop better emotional intelligence.

If you could spend a month anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you hope to experience?

I’d love to spend a month travelling between Istanbul, Qatar, Riyadh and Malaysia. Call me boring, but my idea of a great time would be to professionally photograph their architecture and learn more about the thinking and culture behind each design.

To balance that out, I’d finish the month in the Maldives by soaking up the sun, switching off completely, and indulging on a large and fresh supply of coconut juice!

Go-to comfort meal?

Good old jacket potato, beans and cheese – Always warms my heart.

Expanding Horizons and Inspiring STEM Career Pathways: MathWorks and Villiers Park

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 09:46:11 GMT

Villiers Park is proud to continue its partnership with MathWorks , which has significantly expanded the horizons of young people from under-represented backgrounds, demystifying pathways into STEM and developing key academic and employability skills that help young people to thrive.

From hands-on workshops to immersive university experiences, our shared commitment has opened doors for young people who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities to excel in Mathematics, Science and Engineering.

Levelling the playing field in the UK’s most unequal city

Cambridge, the home a of world-leading university and global STEM industries, is a city of two halves. There are stark inequalities which persist, despite the rich history as a centre for learning and innovation.

In Kings Hedges, where the Villiers Park office is located, healthy life expectancy is 61-62 years old, yet just three miles away in the wealthier ward of Newnham, healthy life expectancy rises by more than 10 years to 73 years for men and 77 years for women (BBC, 2025).

With a 2017 report describing Cambridge as the most unequal city in the UK (Centre for Cities, 2017), these disparities continue to limit social mobility and create significant barriers to education and careers for young people.

It is in this context that our partnership with MathWorks is so powerful. Our partnership directly addresses these challenges by supporting programmes that raise aspirations, build confidence and provide meaningful exposure to STEM for young people from Cambridgeshire and beyond.

“Support from MathWorks enabled us to deliver an inspiring, hands-on learning experience for the young people attending the residential – many of whom might not have otherwise had access to such opportunities. We’re incredibly grateful for the continued support, which plays a vital role in helping us deliver meaningful projects, activities and initiatives as well as extend our impact across Cambridgeshire.”

– Megan Broughton, Programme Coordinator for the East of England

STEM Applications in Industry

Recently, 32 students from schools in Cambridgeshire took part in a STEM Applications in Industry session led by the MathWorks team. The session, hosted at Fitzwilliam College Cambridge, saw students working hands-on to solve an engineering challenge, designing battery cells for a hypothetical electric car.

This challenge mirrored the kinds of problems engineers solve in industry, encouraging collaboration, critical thinking and practical application of STEM knowledge.

Students rated the day an excellent 8.2 out of 10 and highlighted how the opportunity increased their confidence and knowledge about future education and employment pathways. Reflections included:

“It made me realise what I’m looking for at a university.”

“I wanted to go to university, and the STEM day helped me understand what it’s like.”

The session was equally rewarding for the MathWorks team, Alex Churchill said:

“It was very rewarding to come and meet the group of students as they're making plans for what to study at university and where, and a privilege to get to talk to them about the role of STEM in industry to give them a view of what happens after they complete their studies. It was fantastic how they engaged with the worked example, seeing them discussing with friends and getting stuck into calculating and problem solving, with direct application to the kinds of problems that engineers in industry solve in their day-to-day work. We were very grateful to Villiers Park and Fitzwilliam College for their invitation and look forward to working together again in the future!”

Impact Beyond Cambridgeshire

Through our ongoing partnership with MathWorks, young people across Villiers Park’s regional hubs have taken part in engaging STEM experiences designed to build confidence, skills and aspiration.

From codebreaking workshops in Hastings to science sessions in Norwich and a residential at Corpus Christi College, students consistently reported increased knowledge, enjoyment and motivation.

Across activities, young people developed problem-solving skills, explored real-world STEM applications and gained greater confidence in their ability to succeed in academic and professional settings.

Looking ahead

Disadvantaged pupils in the UK are 44% less likely to progress into STEM beyond secondary school than their more advantaged peers (Education Policy Institute, 2024). Too often, STEM pathways are presented narrowly through traditional academic routes, with limited visibility of careers and alternative progression options.

This is compounded by unequal access to enrichment activities, with young people from under-represented backgrounds less likely to take part in science clubs and out-of-school learning that build confidence, skills and cultural capital (Centre for Young Lives, 2025).

This is why our partnership with MathWorks is so important. By combining Villiers Park’s educational expertise with MathWorks industry insight, we are creating inclusive, inspiring STEM experiences that broaden horizons, demystify pathways and equipping young people with the skills, confidence and ambition to succeed.

Join our team as a Trustee

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 10:24:53 GMT

We are looking for two Trustees to join the Board in 2026, who bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

We are particularly seeking Trustees with experience in the following areas:

Higher education
Finance

You do not need previous governance experience. We welcome first-time Trustees and will provide a full induction as well as ongoing training and support.

Experience in any of Villiers Park’s hub regions - Swindon, Hastings and Bexhill, Norwich, Cambridgeshire and Tyneside – would also be of particular interest but is not essential.

A few words from our Chair of Trustees

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about becoming a Trustee of Villiers Park Educational Trust. We are a national social mobility charity with a vision of a future where background does not define opportunity and every young person can realise their potential.

Villiers Park has a rich history and a long track record of delivering impactful programmes that improve and advance education for young people. We work in some of the most deprived areas of the UK, where progression into higher education and employment is among the lowest. We overcome entrenched disadvantage gaps by equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive in the future and empowering them to feel informed and confident about the pathways to realising their goals.

Our targeted programmes are delivered by local hub teams based within the communities we serve, working in partnership with schools, colleges, universities and funders whose support is essential to our mission.

I became Chair just over a year ago and am proud to build on the charity’s legacy, opening opportunities to more young people and helping to transform lives. My own connection to this charity began many years ago, and I have seen first‑hand the difference our work makes. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunities Villiers Park gave me, and I know my experience is shared by many others. I am delighted to be joined by fellow alumni on our Board of Trustees, among our programme staff, and within our growing team of volunteers.

Our Board is made up of people who care deeply about our mission and who bring a wide range of skills and lived experiences. Together, we provide strategic leadership, support our executive team and ensure that the charity remains accountable to the communities we serve.

We are now seeking two new Trustees who can help us strengthen our governance and broaden our expertise. We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in Finance and Higher Education, the latter to help continue this important perspective as Sir Les Ebdon steps down after eight dedicated years of service on the Board. If you are passionate about social mobility and committed to supporting young people to realise their potential, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Dr Desmond Bermingham

Chair of Trustees

Staff Spotlight: Sarah Chick

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 16:00:42 GMT

This month we’re spotlighting Sarah, who re-joined Villiers Park in September 2025 after previously working as Programme Director and Director of Education.

With over 20 years’ experience in education and a strong commitment to widening opportunity, she now leads our programmes, helping ensure our work continues to make a real difference for young people from under-represented backgrounds.

How long have you been at Villiers Park, and what first drew you here?

That should be an easy question, but I’ve actually done two stints at Villiers Park! The first was from 2015-2019, initially as a Programme Director, and later as Director of Education. Then I went back into teaching and school leadership for 5 years, before re-joining in September 2025. Both times I have been drawn to Villiers Park with the hope of making a difference to young people from under-represented backgrounds.

I love the fact that as a small organisation we are able to conceive, realise and see the direct impact of ideas and improvements that we see as most beneficial.

What does your role involve, and how does it contribute to Villiers Park’s mission?

My role involves the strategic oversight and leadership of our programmes. This sits at the very core of our mission, but is influenced by feed-in from the whole team. Ultimately, I am acting on what we see and hear from our young people, championing their voices and using this to guide our programmes.

I try to use this information alongside my twenty years' experience in schools to ensure we maximise opportunities for the young - people we work with.

Looking back, what experiences or influences prepared you for the work you do now?

Growing up, there were some periods of instability in my life, but there were always adult role-models who championed me and helped shape me into the person I am today. I have always been driven to give this back by providing similar positive influences and opportunities for young people.

I ran a Girl Guide unit for 20 years, have coached gymnastics as a volunteer for 30+ years and now own a not-for-profit gymnastics club in an area of high deprivation.

What’s a project or initiative you’re most proud of, and why does it matter to you?

I have always been proud of what is now Leadership Challenge. When I first joined Villiers Park, I was tasked with making the nebulous idea of student outreach into a programme. This became ‘INVOLVE’, and ran through a portal with awards and several partnerships with similar organisations.

Taking something from conception through to fully functional was really satisfying professionally. I can now see the programme I initiated still leads to amazing achievements and outcomes from participants.

What is a book you always will always recommend?

1984 by George Orwell and The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Both offer thought provoking, alternative views on life.

If you could spend a month anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you hope to experience?

The Biologist in me would love to spend a month on the Galapagos Islands, seeing Darwin’s ‘On the Origin of Species’ brought to life. I love the idea of being surrounded by wildlife largely unaffected by human interaction.

Song that always lifts your mood?

Bohemian Rhapsody. From the first to the last note, it’s like being on a musical rollercoaster, which is always fun to sing, in my case, incredibly badly.

National Apprenticeship Week

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 20:11:06 GMT

National Apprenticeships Week is an opportunity to highlight the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, employers and the wider economy – and their vital role in improving social mobility.

Through the Villiers Park Future Leaders Programme, we support young people to understand the full range of pathways available to them and to choose the option that best fits their view of their possible self. Since 2021, on the Future Leaders programme we have expanded our apprenticeship focused work and have seen first-hand how guidance on and exposure to different routes can make a real difference for young people from under-represented backgrounds.

This is especially important as recently research from the Social Mobility Commission (2025) show that only 12% of apprenticeship places are filled by those from disadvantaged backgrounds, a concerning statistic given the proven power of apprenticeships to unlock qualifications and provide a direct route into careers.

Even at degree level, where apprenticeships are often viewed as a more accessible alternative to university, inequalities remain. In 2022/23, only 10.7% of degree apprentices aged 18–24 were identified as disadvantaged, compared with 11.4% of Russell Group undergraduates, 19.4% of all undergraduates and 27.4% of students completing 16–19 study.

This gap shows that while apprenticeships can drive social mobility, access is still uneven, with targeted support being a crucial step in encouraging more young people into apprenticeships.

How Villiers Park is widening access to apprenticeships

We are seeing amazing outcomes that demonstrate what’s possible when young people are supported to explore and pursue apprenticeship pathways.

Highlights from last year:

Progression into apprenticeships

In our 2024/25 cohort we saw students progress into

A degree apprenticeship at Colas Rail
A Level 3 apprenticeship with the NHS
A Level 3 apprenticeship at BMW

Next Gen Pathways

After a successful pilot in 2025 We piloted a Trade Insight project, offering hands-on experience and guidance about apprenticeships in the construction industry. We are proud to have supported 29 students in gaining meaningful construction skills and experience.

Following the programme four students achieved their CSCS certification – a nationally recognised qualification demonstrating essential health and safety knowledge for construction sites.

Changing perceptions at our residential

During our University of Bath residential last summer, 81 Year 10 students took part in a dedicated workshop on apprenticeships. Over 60% of students said they would consider an apprenticeship after the session – a 40% increase compared to before the residential.

What students and schools are saying:

“The residential enabled me to think deeply about my next steps… Villiers Park introduced me to the idea of a degree apprenticeship which sounds better suited to me as an individual.” — Elena, Future Leader, Tyneside

“The experience provided invaluable insights into career paths that they may not have otherwise considered… The encouragement and guidance created a positive and inclusive environment for everyone.” — New College Swindon

“Seeing the basic skills and tools used for bricklaying, plastering and carpentry has given them an insight into the eventual jobs… and the college courses available to them.” — Crowdy’s Hill School, Swindon

Get involved

Join our mailing list to stay informed on how we are opening apprenticeships routes for young people on our Future Leaders programme.

Are you a company looking to offer apprenticeships to young people from under-represented backgrounds? Let's talk about how we can help you achieve this.

Working at Villiers Park: Josie and Clara on Becoming Progression Coaches After the Programme

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 10:00:41 GMT

Josie and Clara are both Progression Coaches at Villiers Park but started their journey with us as students. Josie, on a 2018 Inspiring Excellence Biology residential, and Clara in 2014 on the Scholars Programme. This interview covers some of their highlights as both alumni and current employees.

I am Josie and I'm a Progression Coach in Cambridgeshire. I work with around 60 students on a one-to-one basis, supporting them to think about their futures, and helping them to succeed in whatever they want to do, whether it be apprenticeships, T levels, A levels, no matter what their circumstances are.

I'm Clara, a Progression Coach in Hastings and Bexhill. I work also with around 50 students doing a very similar thing to Josie. I also work one day a week within the fundraising and communications space helping out there and trying to learn a little bit more about a different side of the organisation.

How does it feel to be supporting young people through the programme that once supported you?”

Clara –

“It's a very full circle moment, especially working in my old school. I think it really puts things in perspective. I feel like I'm in that year 10 mind frame whenever I'm in a session and I can really see myself in the students’ shoes.

I think it is very fulfilling for myself, but seeing the progress that the young people make and comparing that to myself at that age, it's really amazing to feel like I'm a part of something that helped me so much to do the same.”

“What has been your favourite moment or moments so far in your role?”

Josie –

“I've had a lot of favourite moments, but I think the main one that comes to mind are the celebration events. Being able to award those students that have gone above and beyond in the programme over the year. Students who have really dedicated themselves to improving their skills and completing their leadership challenge projects and helping their communities.

It’s really moving to see how thankful young people are for the opportunities they’ve had. I think that just put it all in perspective, that's the reason that we're here, that's what we're doing and it’s was my favourite moment.”

Can you sum up your experience with Villiers Park in three words?

Josie –

“So, it's encouraging, inspirational and that we are valuable. And I think that covers both when I was a student and the work that I do with students now.”

Clara –

“My 3 words to sum up my Villiers Park experience would be growth, confidence and I'm going to go with fun because my time on the programme was that.”

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic person with a keen interest in working with young people to join the Villiers Park team as a Progression Coach in our well-established Hastings and Bexhill hub .

The Progression Coach will deliver coaching sessions, workshops, various in-school projects and activities for students aged 12-19. The ideal candidate will have a desire to support young people from under-represented groups realise their potential, excellent organisational skills, and experience in designing and delivering workshops and one-to-one sessions for young people.

Staff Spotlight: Jenny Parr

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 09:00:37 GMT

Jenny joined our team 15 years ago and has worked in various roles from Progression Coach to Programmes Manager and now Strategic Projects Manager. Jenny is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of others and supporting young people to reach their fullest potential.

How long have you been at Villiers Park, and what first drew you here?

I have been at Villiers Park for 15 years, I can’t quite believe it! I was drawn to the mission of supporting young people to reach their true potential through positive conversations and inspiring experiences which can have such a huge impact on their future. I knew I could help change young people’s lives for the better.

What does your role involve, and how does it contribute to Villiers Park’s mission?

My role as Strategic Projects Manager involves working on long-term projects that contribute to developing our organisation and making our work as effective as possible. My main project at the moment is working on our new five year strategy for 2025-2030 and ensuring that we are meeting our objectives and tracking our progress. I am also part of the safeguarding team and take responsibility for actions to improve our safeguarding procedures, as well as other ongoing projects.

Looking back, what experiences or influences prepared you for the work you do now?

Before joining Villiers Park I completed an undergraduate degree in Sociology and a postgraduate diploma in Careers Guidance. These helped to prepare me for working with young people in a one-to-one capacity to fulfil their career aspirations and personal goals. I also undertook volunteering roles to support young people, including in a special educational needs school, Barnardos and at residential camps for children with serious health challenges.

What’s a project or initiative you’re most proud of, and why does it matter to you?

In 2018 I was given the opportunity to manage a new Villiers Park programme called Fantastic Futures which enabled our team to work on a larger scale in 11 schools and colleges in Swindon. Fantastic Futures provided coaching sessions, Leadership Challenge projects and gave us our first experience of delivering a residential for young people on site at a university, which we were lucky enough to host at Oxford. This project helped to shape the Future Leaders Programme we have today and emphasised the importance of empowering young people from a diverse range of under-represented backgrounds across a whole community to identify and achieve their future goals.

How do you see your work making a difference for young people or colleagues?

Although I no longer work directly with students, I hope that my work helps my colleagues to feel supported in delivering their projects, which in turn makes a difference in supporting young people to progress into a future of their choice.

What motivates you at work on days when things feel tough?

Lindt chocolate! And knowing that the work we do today is so important in supporting young people so that they can have a brighter future.

What is a book you always will always recommend?

‘Spare Brides’ by Adele Parks

If you could spend a month anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you hope to experience?

Disneyworld in Florida to experience the magic!

Dream dinner guests?

Amelia Earhart

Go-to comfort meal?

Steak and chips

Song that always lifts your mood?

What a wonderful world’ by Louis Armstrong

University Insights at Canterbury Christ Church University

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 18:06:59 GMT

In November we visited Canterbury Christ Church for a University Insight Day giving Future Leaders the chance to explore campus life first-hand.

From a campus tour including an look at the university’s specialist facilities to a session on ethical debating. Our students engaged in lively discussion on topics ranging from ‘is a hotdog a sandwich?’ to ‘is the rise of AI a threat to jobs?

Following the group debate, the students were tasked with considering questions from different perspectives – their own, and that of a scientist, a geographer, a historian, and an artist. For example, when asked ‘how to make the perfect tea’, the students answered that a scientist would use a Bunsen burner, a geographer would use spring water and fresh milk from a cow, a historian would consider old recipes and the roots of tea in China, and an artist would use milk froth to create a design on the top.

For their next question, ‘should single use plastics be banned’, the Future Leaders demonstrated their knowledge on current topics and raised issues such as environmental sustainability, the threat to marine life including turtles, and the damage to human health from microplastics.

Our Future Leaders rated the day an impressive 8.64/10 and 85% left with a clearer picture of university life, helping to break down barriers and make higher education feel more accessible and achievable.

Clara Smith

Progression Coach

Hastings and Bexhill

Advice from our community

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 08:45:58 GMT

We have recently been sharing the wonderful stories of those who have been a part of Villiers Park over the years.

The stories shared showcase the ambition and resilience of those in our community with lawyers and teachers to consultants, students and councillors, reminding us why supporting young people to reach their potential matters so much

To close, we asked our alumni, staff, partners and supporters a simple question:

“What advice would you give a young person starting out on career their journey?”

And the answers that came back reflect exactly what Villiers Park is all about – empowering young people to succeed and feel confident in their chosen pathways. Take a look at the collective wisdom shared.

You don’t need to have it all figured out right away

"You do not have to have all of the answers now but you do have to give everything a go and be brave, you will find your way."
"Don't worry too much about the end journey, just focus on the steps you need to take today to move closer towards them."

“You don’t need to know what you want to become — just what you like and what you are good at.”

Say yes to opportunities

“Say yes to learning opportunities whenever they present themselves.”
"Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new."
“Take every opportunity possible, one conversation can be the difference with getting you to another level in life.”

Failing is an opportunity to learn

“Always take the opportunity to learn.”
“So long as you are learning, you are not failing. You will win.”
“Ask questions, listen to other perspectives, and collaborate well.”

Follow pathways that spark your interest, but don’t be afraid to change course

“Follow your dream - find a job that you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.”
“If you don't know what you want to do: explore; slowly fine-tune your ideas until you know what subject you like, what topic you want to work in, and don't feel too anxious about not knowing what you want to do.”

And finally, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has shared their story, offered their advice, or supported our work.

Are you am alum of one of our programmes? Share your story or tell us where your journey has taken you.

Alumni Spotlight: Lewis

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 10:27:09 GMT

" [Villiers Park] offered me the tools that helped me settle into university life quicker, something that many young students lack and struggle with throughout their time at uni. "

Lewis Ransome, now a Graduate Engineer, credits the Villiers Park programme with shaping his independence, confidence, and adaptability. Through mentoring and reflection, he discovered leadership skills and a clear path into a rewarding STEM career.

How has your experience with Villiers Park influenced your personal or academic growth so far?

The Villiers Park programme provided me with many new skills, which helped me transition from a young sixth form student into a mature student, with independence and responsibility. It allowed me to reflect upon myself during Covid, work with a group of people and understand more about leadership.

How did Villiers Park help you transition into the next stage of your education?

The Villiers Park programme has significantly supported me at university. It offered me the tools that helped me settle into university life quicker, something that many young students lack and struggle with throughout their time at university.

From the get go I have felt confident with studying independently as a result of Villiers Park. Mentoring meetings on the programme were the most helpful thing for me, they allowed me to widen my career prospects and chose a path that I perhaps did not see before. As a result of coaching sessions, I am sat comfortably on a career path in STEM and have secured my first position as a professional engineer.

What skills or insights have you gained through Villiers Park that you find most valuable?

Independence is definitely the main skill, although confidence and adaptability are also among the many skills learnt, having taught how to keep my life on track and well organised, tackling problems as they pop up.

Opening Doors: How Villiers Park and Trinity College, Cambridge Are Tackling Barriers to Higher Education

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 09:11:52 GMT

Villiers Park is delighted to continue its collaboration with Trinity College Cambridge, a partnership which supports hundreds of young people from under-represented backgrounds every year, breaking down barriers into higher education.

Tackling barriers to social mobility in Hastings and Bexhill

Today, across the country, where a young person grows up and their socio-economic background continues to play a critical role in defining their future. At a national level, the disadvantage gap has become more entrenched post-Covid.

In 2023/24, 28.9% of pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM) entered higher education by age 19, compared to non-FSM eligible pupils, for whom the rate was 49.0%, a percentage point gap of over 20%. For high-tariff universities, the gap is even greater. Just 4.9% of FSM-eligible pupils entered high-tariff education by age 19, more than 50% less than non-FSM peers ( DfE 2024 ).

This is compounded by the uneven access to opportunity across the country, as highlighted in the Sutton Trust’s Opportunity Index . Hastings is ranked in the bottom 10 of all 543 constituencies across England for social mobility. Not only is the free school meal eligibility rate above average, but a pupil on free school meals is statistically far less likely to progress into higher education, complete a degree or be in the top 20% of earners than their peers from other parts of the country.

Hastings Celebration Event 2025

That’s why targeted interventions, such as this partnership between Villiers Park and Trinity College Cambridge, are vital. The Future Leaders Programme in Hastings and Bexhill supports over 150 young people from under-represented backgrounds each year. One-to-one coaching, skills workshops, insight days and residentials help students build confidence and strengthen their personal, academic and employability skills. The programme breaks down barriers to higher education, empowering young people to make informed choices and pursue their goals.

Alex Grant, Villiers Park’s Assistant Director for Hastings and Bexhill, explained:

“The Future Leaders programme helps young people to develop pathways, personal to them, which shift talk of university away from being an aspiration to becoming a future that seems realistic and attainable. Working in partnership with Trinity College supports our Future Leaders to see that some of the world's most competitive courses and institutions are a part of their reality.”

Through feedback from our residential and university insight days, we know, that early interactions with universities builds confidence and belonging. 83% of Future Leaders attending a university insight day in 2024 said they were more likely to consider higher education as a pathway. Working with Trinity College Cambridge, our partnership co-creates and delivers information sessions for young people and their parents and carers, as well as CPD for our partner schools embedding knowledge of ambitious pathways in our community.

Abdul at the House of Commons Residential in 2023

©UK Parliament Jessica Taylor

“I'd just like to say thank you for all the support over the years. I don't think I would have got as far as I have without the support. It's definitely helped to develop me as both a person and a student. My confidence has certainly developed and I'm more emotionally mature than I was before the programme.”

Abdul, Hastings and Bexhill Alum

With Trinity College Cambridge, we also run a dedicated Early Entry programme , to prepare students for applications to highly competitive universities including Cambridge and Oxford, as well as courses such as medicine, veterinary medicine and dentistry. In the 2024-25 academic year 58 young people took part in the programme, benefiting from expert coaching, mock interviews, mentoring from student ambassadors on academic challenges and invaluable application support from the Trinity College Outreach Team.

The outcomes of this programme can be transformative, with a number of young people currently awaiting decision on their Cambridge applications. Many more have begun their higher education journeys at high-tariff universities where they are studying a range of courses including Engineering, Law and Theology.

Arona, a Year 13 participant and now studying Neuroscience at Kings College London, summed up the experience:

“It was an amazing experience to be part of the Villiers Park coaching programme and having continuous support with my early entry applications.”

In Hastings and Bexhill, where the disadvantage gap is becoming more entrenched and access to higher education continues to fall well below the national average, this partnership is driving change and making a transformative impact on young people’s futures.

Amber Silk, Outreach Partnerships Manager said:

"Through working directly in areas needing the most support, Villiers Park are able to understand the young people they work with and the barriers they face. We have been able to co-develop a programme which is really tailored to these students’ future ambitions, answers their questions and gives them skills that will support strong applications."

Are your school interested in signing up for the Early Entry Programme?

Alumni Spotlight: Sam

Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:00:27 GMT

" I remember most the residentials, with the opportunity to experience stretching and enriching lectures, activities and tasks in a friendly and warmly academic environment. "

Sam Coleman, an English Teacher and Local District Councillor, joined the Villiers Park Scholars Programme over a decade ago. Through mentoring, residentials, and university visits, he discovered how to embrace opportunities and chart his own path, with lessons from Villiers Park that continue to guide his diverse career across acting, politics, and education.

Would you say that your interaction with Villiers Park helped you in any way to achieve your career now?

Having had a number of different careers since being a Villiers Park Scholar, from acting to politics to teaching, it’s fair to say I didn’t follow the traditional path of heading straight to university and into a career.

But what I did do was embrace opportunities, reflect on my own interests and skills, and discover a path forward that works for me. Without the broad horizon I developed through Villiers Park, I am not sure that I would have pushed or pursued opportunities in quite the same way.

What advice would you give to young people as they start on their career journey?

You don’t need to know what you want to become, just what you like and what you are good at. Learn to sell that well, with confidence, and you will find doors opening for you.

The gaps and weaknesses can be ironed out as you go, and the autonomous self development skills and embracing of academic rigour that Villiers Park fosters is going to help you a great deal with that.

A trip to Sopra Steria in Edinburgh

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 17:49:18 GMT

In November, 18 Year 12 students from our Tyneside hub attended an Employer Insight Day at Sopra Steria’s Edinburgh office.

As our principal partner, we work closely with Sopra Steria and were delighted to offer these students the opportunity to explore the variety of career paths available within the Edinburgh office and beyond.

Our Future Leaders engaged in three activities which offered insight into careers within the technology industry. Firstly, an employability workshop where students were shown how to craft an effective CV. Secondly, a technology workshop on different real-world applications of AI. Thirdly, a series of career roundtables, where staff from a variety of departments and roles within Sopra Steria hosted discussions with small groups of students.

The students enjoyed the insights offered into a diverse range of roles within the sector and left the day with further motivation and guidance to pursue their goals.

What Future Leaders thought about the day:

“I feel I got a deep insight into Sopra Steria and technology , it was a very eye opening experience and opened more doors for me in the future .”

“The skills workshop was very helpful. I learned how to craft a CV.”  

“It was really useful to learn more about the different range of careers available to me and get advice about making myself more employable .”

“All the activities done were absolutely fantastic. I love the career round table .”

Ben Hutchins

Progression Coach

Tyneside

Alumni Spotlight: Joanna

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 10:30:47 GMT

"It’s incredible to come full circle. Villiers Park supported me when I needed it most, and now I have the privilege of helping to make those same opportunities available to others.”

From Participant to Partner: Joanna Finlay’s Villiers Park Journey Comes Full Circle

More than 20 years after taking part in a Villiers Park residential, Joanna Finlay is now supporting the charity that once helped her find her confidence.

Now a Consulting Manager in Financial Wellbeing, Inclusion and Vulnerability at Sopra Steria, Joanna’s work focuses on ensuring that people in vulnerable circumstances are better understood and supported.

But the path to this role wasn’t straightforward and, as a bright and curious student, Joanna sometimes found school life challenging. She often felt different from her peers and struggled to feel fully accepted — experiences she now recognises as linked to neurodiversity.

However, between Years 12 and 13, Joanna was invited to take part in a residential programme for promising psychology students, an experience that, in her own words, changed everything.

“I had a wonderful time at the Villiers Park residential. It was like someone had opened a door to a parallel universe where being smart was ‘cool’, and I felt like I belonged.

"I’d always been aware that some people have connections which open doors for them; or have the self-assurance to believe that doors should be opened for them. And while I didn’t, Villiers Park helped me realise that we all have potential — that I could open doors for myself if I chose to, and that there are people out there who can help.

"Villiers Park helped me see that I was good enough to walk through some doors and do some stuff I could be proud of."

Today we are thrilled that Joanna is now able to give back to the organisation that once supported her. Earlier this year, Joanna and colleagues at Sopra Steria collaborated with three of our leadership team on an inclusivity workshop, helping us to reflect on what we are already doing as well as how we can deepen inclusive practice. Joanna also shared her story with young people and their families at our Tyneside Celebration event, where she presented our Diana Hiles Celebration of Progress Award, a fitting symmetry to Joanna’s progress in her education and career.

Since the partnership started in 2021, Sopra Steria has supported Villiers Park to extend its impact and reach, with over 5,000 young people from under-represented backgrounds benefiting from our programmes in this time.

More than 750 young people have participated directly in partnership-led activity, from receiving bursaries through the Opportunities Fund, attending employability and skills workshops, and visiting Sopra Steria’s offices in London and Edinburgh.

Through our partnership, Sopra Steria plays an essential role in expanding our reach and impact, particularly in offering STEM and employability-focused opportunities. Initiatives like office insight days and targeted financial support give young people the chance to envision their futures beyond the classroom and explore potential career paths.

Alumni Spotlight: Abigail

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 10:00:41 GMT

"Whenever we as young people feel inadequate, or like we don't fit in, we shouldn't strive to fit in, but we should strive to embrace our differences. I'm so grateful to Villiers Park for giving me this opportunity because I feel like I've gained so much knowledge"

How has your experience with Villiers Park influenced your personal or academic growth so far?

Villiers Park influenced both my academic and personal growth through the group and one-to-one coaching sessions which helped me to reflect on my current life, what I could improve on and what I was going to do/change in the future. Additionally, during my application to Cambridge University, Villiers Park gave me multiple opportunities for mock interviews and support from former Oxbridge graduates.

How did Villiers Park help you transition into the next stage of your education or career?

Villiers Park did help me with my education. On their online portal there was an opportunity to learn revision and study techniques. Moreover, in the coaching sessions I received great support with mock results and being happy with them and comprehending how to improve. I also liked the fact I was able to tour universities when thinking about next steps.

What skills or insights have you gained through Villiers Park that you find most valuable?

During coaching sessions Villiers Park gave me several skills and I had to rank the ones I was best at. Then I looked at the ones I was not as good at and wrote down steps to ameliorate myself in them. I also appreciated the ability to do public speaking at the Villiers Park celebrations.

Reflecting on your time with Villiers Park, what stands out as the most impactful part of your experience?

The most impactful experience I had was the opportunity to do work experience in the House of Commons Vote Office. That participation was useful in building up my interest in the public sector. I also found it exciting feeling like part of the team and seeing what happens in government. Furthermore, seeing all the wonderful Westminster architecture was a bonus!

Alumni Spotlight: Benita

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 10:29:52 GMT

"T he Charity Commission reported in 2017 that 92% of trustees are white, two-thirds are male and the average age is between 55-64 years old, so I’m very pleased to be moving the needle on that. I can’t wait to see what the next generation of Future Leaders achieves. "

Benita Udegbe, Crown Prosecutor and Villiers Park Trustee

When I joined the board in September 2021, I was proud to be the very first alumni trustee at Villiers Park. The Programme and people here had a big impact on me so I’m happy to be able to give something back. It has been a great opportunity for me to see things from the other side of the table and represent current Future Leaders’ voices at board level. It’s fantastic to work with trustees from a wide range of backgrounds – I have learnt a lot!

I knew before I started the Villiers Park Programme that I wanted to be a lawyer, and that university was the way to achieve that, but I knew little about the steps I’d need to take to get there.

What Villiers Park really did for me was put opportunities for personal development within my grasp - things that I simply wouldn’t have found out about without being on the Programme. The subject-specific residential course on law really opened my eyes: we talked about human rights and criminal law and were able to visit a prison. The internship at Freshfields gave me a feel for what it is really like to work for a multinational law firm. Prior to this, law was just this abstract idea for a good career, but, through Villiers Park, it became something I really wanted to do for the right reasons; it cemented it for me.

Growing up in Eastbourne and going to Hastings College, it never even occurred to me that I was from a “disadvantaged” background, and I certainly never felt that word applied to me or my peers. I must admit it jarred me to hear it being used in the context of our young people when I became a trustee.

Through this appointment, I’ve come to understand that Villiers Park works in areas with lower progression rates to higher and further education - something which is a common indicator of economic disadvantage. I’ve since learned that several areas within Eastbourne - and many more within Hastings - are in the most economically deprived 10% in all of England. While I might not consider myself disadvantaged, it’s clear there are big gaps in opportunity and outcomes across the UK.

“Under-represented” is a term that sits better with me, and that’s true in my chosen field of law: the percentage of female lawyers roughly mirrors the population average, but we make up only 1/3 of partners - the most senior position in a law firm. 22% of UK lawyers attended a fee-paying school compared with just 7% of the population – so maybe we should be talking about the problem of “overrepresentation”! A few years ago, just 2% of UK lawyers were black compared to 3% of the UK workforce - fully a third fewer. It’s now 3%, so some things are moving in the right direction!

Speaking of representation, the Charity Commission reported in 2017 that 92% of trustees are white, two-thirds are male and the average age is between 55-64 years old, so I’m very pleased to be moving the needle on that. I can’t wait to see what the next generation of Future Leaders achieves.

Alumni Spotlight: Isma'il

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:30:00 GMT

" Villiers Park had a monumental role in helping me discover and refine my own capabilities that in turn enabled me to succeed in my professional career. I can't think of any other thing that had such an impact on my life, for which I am forever grateful. "

Isma'il Usman, Entrepreneur and former Villiers Park Scholar

I was part of the Villiers Park Scholars Programme from my duration between GCSEs and A Levels, participating from Churchfields Academy. The Scholars Programme had a huge impact on my self confidence which in turn gave me the self belief in raising my voice, airing my opinions and having self assurance with the paths I took in time. Those small nudges and changes in my belief and behaviour in turn enabled me to realise my dreams succeed in studying law at university and eventually becoming a lawyer.

The Villiers Park residentials in Cambridge, being in an open learning environment away from school with different students from different schools which helped us to understand our differences, interact in a refreshing environment and learn new things. This environment helped develop our minds to become scholars in a university environment.

Villiers Park had a monumental role in helping me discover and refine my own capabilities that in turn enabled me to succeed in my professional career. I can't think of any other thing that had such a monumental outsized impact on my life for which I am forever grateful.

Have belief in your dreams and visions, even if they seem hazy at times. Don't worry too much about the end journey, just focus on the steps you need to take today to move closer towards them. Always keep an open mind about other people, different skills, different pathways, and different journeys; there is always something we can learn from others. Lastly, so long as you are learning, you are not failing. You will win.

Digital Solutions for Sustainability

Sun, 16 Nov 2025 18:19:53 GMT

Beginning in November, 21 A level students from our partner colleges in the East of England have been developing sustainability projects, in partnership with AVEVA .

The aim of the challenge is for students to build digital solutions to improve a local issue that will make their community more sustainable. Community can include their school, local villages, wider county, or nation-wide.

Students kicked off the project with an in person workshop at Aveva's Cambridge office. They were introduced to the AVEVA team where we heard from Stefan Haller, Vice President, about what AVEVA do, customers they work with and how he got into his role.

To plan their projects, they brainstormed all issues they could think of relating to sustainability in their local communities. They then discussed possible solutions to the issues no matter how ‘out-there’. And finally, they whittled these down into realistic ideas and thought about a timeline for completing their project. Feedback was given from both AVEVA and Villiers Park colleagues to help the students think about resources needed, possible hurdles and team roles.

Josie Crisp

Progression Coach

Cambridgeshire

Alumni Spotlight: Hannah

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:14:12 GMT

" At secondary school, mentoring was really important to me. It helped to talk about my academic aspirations and worries with a professional, but someone unconnected to school. It was also comforting to hear that my worries weren’t unique! "

From Future Leader to Cambridge Scholar: Hannah’s Journey

When the Future Leaders Programme launched in 2020, it built on the legacy of Villiers Park’s longstanding support for young people through the Scholars and Inspiring Excellence Programmes, with one key shift: empowering young people to explore who they could be, not just what they could achieve.

Hannah was one of the first young people to make that journey, from our early Scholars cohort to becoming a Future Leader. Today, she is studying for a Degree in Mathematics at the University of Cambridge.

Hannah reflected on how the Future Leaders Programme helped to her grow in confidence and independence, allowing her to define her goals and plan how to reach them.

“There’s a lot more trust being put in us to do things independently, and I’ve definitely developed confidence from that. Having someone to talk to, someone outside of school, was so important, it was comforting to realise that my worries weren’t unique.”

Hannah also shared how her first visit to Cambridge through Villiers Park made the dream of studying there feel possible:

“My residential at Villiers in Year 10 made Cambridge feel tangible. I remember sitting in the canteen at Trinity College, surrounded by pictures of incredible mathematicians, and realising that I could belong there too.”

Today, that vision has become a reality. Hannah is now a Cambridge student, continuing to explore the power of mathematics — and of self-belief.

“Without this programme, I’d be a lot less aspirational. The biggest thing I learned is that I don’t have to change who I am, that I’m good enough as I am.”

Hannah’s story shows what can happen when potential meets opportunity. Through Villiers Park, Hannah didn’t just prepare for university, she developed the self-belief she needed to pursue and secure her goals.

Alumni Spotlight: Joshua

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 13:09:49 GMT

"At the moment I'm working as a trainee GP [...] and simply without Villiers Park I don't think I probably would have got there."

Joshua, now a GP Trainee and alum of Villiers Park’s Scholars Programme, credits the experience with helping him develop vital communication and public speaking skills. The mentorship, guidance and confidence he gained continue to shape his professional life and passion for supporting others through healthcare.

Villiers Park allowed me to develop interpersonal skills, especially communication which is valuable for my area of practice. I feel I learnt many techniques that I still apply now. It also allowed me to develop my public speaking skills, something I didn’t feel confident with until Villiers Park gave me the route and avenues to deliver presentations and give public speeches.

Villiers Park also helped me to organise my life to ensure I was able to complete all of the things I needed to for my personal statement and applications, alongside building a revision plan to ensure I completed my exams to the best of my ability. The residentials and school trips allowed me to build on my interpersonal and presentation skills so that I could apply to university.

I really miss the relationships I had with all of the mentors at Villiers Park. They were all incredibly friendly, and were interested in all aspects of my life from my career aspirations and my hobbies. It was like having close friends that could give you valuable advice and recommendations. The highlights of the week used to be having our mentor sessions for a life and learning catch up!

Joshua also shared some advice for young people currently on our programme:

College and sixth form is a painful two year experience with the jump from GCSEs to A levels and university applications - however, it’s short term pain for long term gain! University is not as large a step from A levels. And when you are enjoying your student life at the university you wished to go to, studying the course you love for the career you want - you’ll reminisce on this experience and thinking “oh my god, how did I do that?!” I promise it will get easier!

Joshua speaking at the Swindon Celebration Event 2025

Welcoming Our New Head of Fundraising, and an Exciting New Role in the Team

Wed, 29 Oct 2025 10:00:25 GMT

We’re delighted to welcome Melody Brooker to Villiers Park Educational Trust as our new Head of Fundraising !

Melody joins us in November from Fitzwilliam College’s Alumni and Development team , bringing a wealth of experience from leading successful fundraising campaigns at Fitzwilliam College and other Cambridge charities.

In her new role, Melody will lead our fundraising strategy—strengthening relationships with our incredible community of supporters and partners, and growing support for our vision: a future where all young people can realise their potential .

Melody Brooker said:

“I’m thrilled to be joining such a dedicated and inspiring team. There’s huge potential here to build on the fantastic work already happening and to make a real difference for young people.”

Gaby Sumner, Chief Executive of Villiers Park, said:

“Melody brings outstanding experience and a deep understanding of fundraising, combined with real passion for what we do. This is a really exciting appointment as we begin our new five-year strategy, which aims to scale our impact and reach to support more young people across the country.”

To support this growth, we are also recruiting for a new role: Fundraising Operations and Data Manager . This part-time role will manage our CRM and develop systems and insights to help drive our fundraising forward.

If you have experience managing databases or operations within fundraising teams, we’d love to hear from you. Flexible working hours and a welcoming, friendly team await.

Find out more about the role and how to apply

Oracy Qualifications for Year 10s at Lawn Manor

Fri, 24 Oct 2025 17:53:48 GMT

In October, 18 Year 10 students from Lawn Manor Academy in Swindon took part in a week-long English Speaking Board (ESB) programme aimed at developing their communication, language and employability skills.

Through participation in the programme the students gained a deeper understanding of their desired career paths, and practiced verbal communication while discussing their chosen career in an interview style assessment.

The week began with icebreaker activities and opportunities for the students to get to know each other in a fun and informal manner. Throughout the programme they explored their interests and prospective career fields, culminating in their individual presentations at the end of the week. We are thrilled to share that the students achieved fantastic results, including 14 Distinctions and Merit Pluses , and look forward to seeing their next steps as they continue to explore their chosen career paths.

Imrana Ali

Progression Coach

Swindon and Wiltshire

Villiers Park 2024–25: A Year in Numbers

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 10:37:03 GMT

As we embark on the next exciting year at Villiers Park, we are proud to reflect on an incredible 24-25 academic year.

Our Future Leaders attend events they gained clarity about higher education, discovered career pathways they’d never considered and built confidence in themselves and their choices.

Whether through stepping onto a university campus for the first time, living and learning together on a residential, or working through career options in a coaching session, these moments opened new horizons and unlocked potential.

Coaching

At the core of our Future Leaders programme are coaching sessions which allow young people the space and guidance to plan pathways to their goals.

“Getting the qualitive data in the coaching sessions allowed for myself to be less stubborn, and gain motivation to achieve the goals that became much clearer due to the 1 on 1 sessions. The time frame of coaching was well mapped out so that support was there at the right time.”

“Has made me think more about my future, making me more organised and adaptable with how I will get there.”

University Insight Days

This year, 171 students took part in University Insight Days, visiting universities, meeting academics and experiencing first-hand what higher education can offer. These days don’t just showcase facilities; they build confidence and provide clarity. For many, it’s their first step in seeing themselves as undergraduates and exploring subjects they’re passionate about.

“Gave me insight into what skills might be required for university and it made me think of what skills I needed to develop. I know that I need to work on my motivation to revise but I feel like this will improve when I get to university.”

Residentials

Residential programmes remain a key part of our programmes, allowing students the space to reflect away from the classroom. This year, 98 students took part in immersive residentials focused on leadership, teamwork and personal growth.

“I also enjoyed the project because I liked working with new people and I found it interesting seeing lots of different people from different areas that have similar aspirations.” Alyssya, Swindon Future Leader

“The coaching has given me insight into what to study. The bath residential made my goal of getting to university clearer; it showed me how fun university could be.” Tyneside Future Leader

“With the programme, I was able to go on a five day work experience at the House of Commons, which was just fantastic. It really allowed me to envision my life after university, not just sixth form then first year and then you don't know what to do. It gave me a bigger and longer outlook on what my life looked like.” Diana, Year 13 Future Leader from Hastings

Employer Insight Days

Preparing for the world of work means more than classroom learning. From visiting industry headquarters to shadowing professionals, these opportunities gave students a real taste of working life.

“It was really fun to talk to the Sopra Steria volunteers, we learnt quite a lot of things. The employability talk I would say was really helpful... it wasn't overwhelming at all, it was really comfortable and nice. It's really a good chance to get out and experience a lot of new things, especially going to London.” Azriel, Swindon Future Leader

Looking Ahead

These experiences are about more than numbers — they are about memories, confidence, and aspirations that will last long after the day itself. Each student who steps onto a university campus, into a workplace, or into a residential community leaves with new skills, new motivation, and a stronger sense of belonging.

Together, these moments make up the bigger picture of Villiers Park’s mission: helping every young person thrive.

Make a Difference Week with Sopra Steria

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 11:04:03 GMT

At Villiers Park, we believe every young person deserves the chance to imagine and realise their possible selves. Thanks to Sopra Steria, our Principal Partner, more students from under-represented backgrounds are able to seize exciting opportunities, access key financial support and develop skills to help shape their futures.

During Sopra Steria’s Make a Difference Week , we’re celebrating the impact of this collaboration for our Future Leaders.

In the last academic year 120 young people got the chance to step out of their comfort zone and into employability and skills sessions led by Sopra Steria at the University of Bath residential and their offices in London and Edinburgh. These create opportunities to connect with Sopra Steria colleagues, step into a professional workplace and develop key employability skills for the future.

“I didn’t know things like this existed. It’s made me consider working for a place like this even though I’m not a business person at all. [...] This is like a hidden gem.” – Future Leader, after attending an Insight Day

Clara, a Future Leader Alum from Hastings, shared:

“The Sopra Steria trip was fantastic. I’d never really been to an office workplace, and Villiers Park is full of those kind of opportunities where you do things you wouldn’t really think about.”

Our partnership also delivers practical support for Future Leaders and alumni of our programmes. Thanks to the Sopra Steria Opportunities Fund, over 200 Future Leaders were able to access bursaries for laptops, textbooks and study resources and experiences like university visits.

Aderinsola and Adesola, both Year 10 Future Leaders, shared:

“We would also like to thank the Sopra Steria Fund as this year we received two brand new laptops. This has really helped so much considering the amount of written and course work we have in our GCSEs.”

From employability workshops to exploring how technology is shaping the future, Sopra Steria volunteers are helping young people build confidence, discover career pathways and gain skills for life.

As one Year 12 student reflected after a Sopra Steria Experience Insight Day in London:

“We learnt about their day-to-day jobs. It was really interesting to learn how comfortable it was compared to how you’d see it represented in the media. It was really fun to talk to them and we learnt quite a lot of things. It was really a good chance to get out and experience a lot of new things, especially going to London.”

Gaby Sumner, Villiers Park Chief Executive said:

“Working with Sopra Steria gives us a fantastic opportunity to expand young people’s horizons and enable them to develop the skills and experiences they can take forward in their futures. Together, we can help to change the landscape of opportunities available to young people, no matter their background.”

In 2025/26, we are looking forward to giving more Future Leaders the opportunities to visit Sopra Steria offices in London and Edinburgh, access to bursaries through the Opportunities Fund and 1-1 careers mentoring from Sopra Steria colleagues. This Make a Difference Week we want to thank every colleague and volunteer who gives their time, energy and skills to support our Future Leaders.

Spotlight on: Leadership Challenge

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:43:35 GMT

Shining a light on the brilliant work of our Future Leaders across the country!

Take a look at what our Future Leaders have been getting up to in their Leadership Challenge projects.

In Cambridgeshire:

Our incredible Year 12 students at Mark Rutherford School took on the Kitchen Science Leadership Challenge, planning and delivering a hands-on science day for 60 primary students from local schools, including interactive experiments like extracting banana DNA, examining onion cells under a microscope, and powering LEDs with lemons.

Their energy, creativity, and leadership earned great reviews from students and teachers.
“10,000/10 — best lesson ever!”
“Amazing and interesting. Well delivered and constructed.”

Take a look at the Kitchen Science Video

In Tyneside:

Future Leaders in the North East are leading the charge on sustainability and environmental action through a trio of impressive projects:

Wild Things: Exploring local wildlife, surveying habitats and finding ways to boost biodiversity. From welcoming new bird species to planting friendly flora, these students are making a tangible difference and immediate impact on their school grounds and local area.

Project Eden: Year 10 students at Burnside College are transforming a neglected, non-completed ‘garden space’ into something special. The students are working together to propose what to do with it - and then, make it happen!

Carbon Researchers: Tackling the climate crisis head-on, these Future Leaders are calculating their own and their school’s carbon footprint and building a plan for a more sustainable future by reducing it.

Ben, our Progression Coach in Tyneside, voiced the excitement of Future Leaders when he shared that “the next step is to get these ambitious projects out of the planning and development phases!”

In Swindon:

Students here are tackling mental health projects, stemming from a strong desire to make school a safer, more supportive place for everyone.

One ambitious project aims to design a student support system that includes mental health posters, a confidential email service, and after-school support sessions to support Year 7s and 8s navigating early secondary school pressures.

Another project team is planning a series of assemblies to raise awareness, provide support pathways, and are researching guest speakers to strengthen their message.

Learn more about Leadership Challenge

What is Possible Selves?

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 08:39:58 GMT

An introduction to the theory underpinning our Future Leaders programe.

Grasping the theory underpinning Possible Selves is a lightbulb moment for many, including Villiers Park. Possible selves sits at the heart of our flagship Future Leaders’ programme. It’s something that both Alex Grant and Julie Kiddier, having been with Villiers Park for over 10 years, are very familiar with in their roles as Assistant Directors and have worked closely with our team of Programme Coordinators and Progression Coaches to embed across our work.

We are thrilled to share a more detailed look at the foundations of our Future Leaders programme and the theories behind it, which enable us to provide dedicated support to over 500 Future Leaders every year.

What is Possible Selves? - Academic Explainer

Possible Selves is a theory that describes the relationship between self-concept, imagined future selves, motivation and behaviour. It was formulated by Hazel Markus and Paula Nurius in 1986 . The idea is that people can construct possible future selves: either positive ones, which might motivate us to take the action we need to achieve them, or negative ones, which we might want to avoid becoming.

However, the true transformational power of the Possible Selves theory shines brightest when we empower the young people we work with to make that theory a reality. The answer to that can be found in how Possible Selves underpins the delivery of our programmes.

While there is a lively debate and now accepted criticism of the ideas around raising aspiration, including Neil Harrison and Richard Waller , discussing their research into Possible Selves as a tool for university access, it has become increasingly clear that aspirations, or the lack of them, are not the barrier to a success for our Future Leaders; nor are they the solution on their own. Our work supports the creation of full-colour, tangible, individualised future possible selves, triangulating what young people want from their future, what they expect from their future and what they can see for their future.

Through the ability to understand, visualise and articulate (not necessarily verbally) that preferred future, young people are empowered to bring themselves closer to that reality and develop the motivation and resilience to succeed in achieving their goals.

Knowing and seeing your future:

Possible Selves are strongly linked to a depth of social capital and the opportunities this brings to engage with not only individuals from many walks of life, but also access to experiences and knowledge. At Villiers Park we don’t tell young people what is right for them, but it can be problematic that they cannot create a preferred future that they have no experience of. The Future Leaders Programme, made possible by the generous support of philanthropic, university and corporate partners, enables us to offer multiple opportunities for young people to engage with experts in various fields and gather experiences of real-world business as well as future academic study.

Articulating your future and finding meaning:

Coaching is the bedrock of the Future Leaders programme. This one-to-one or small group time with Progression Coaches provides young people with the scaffolded approaches to understand the experiences they have, both through the programme and beyond, acting as a golden thread that brings together experiences, both new and old, and shapes them in the image of their future.

Guided to explore what these experiences mean for them as individuals, Future Leaders are encouraged to articulate what it is they most want from their future. What it is about who they are and want to become that pulls them towards that future. What could prevent that future from belonging to them, and finally the steps and skills they will need to navigate and build to ensure that preferred future becomes their real present.

Building for your future:

If coaching supports Future leaders to identify their Possible Selves, potential barriers and pathways forward, then Leadership Challenge is the vehicle to support change and growth. A social action project at its heart, Leadership Challenge is a project devised by Future Leaders based on their own personal interests, developed by Future Leaders based on the skills they would like to see growth in, and delivered by Future Leaders to empower and develop advocacy in all that they do.

Leadership Challenge, as well as other workshops, events and residentials that we offer, build the Skills for Success that Future Leaders need to realise their best possible futures.

The Future Leaders programme:

Possible Selves is not the quick win that aspiration activities appear to be. Often we hear “you have to see it to be it!” but Possible Selves embraces the greater complexities of how a young person’s social and cultural capital develops and supports a young person to understand what these experiences mean in their own personal context.

Our multi-intervention, multi-year programme, gives our Future Leaders the time and opportunities for future possible selves, both new and old, to develop both detail and clarity. As these possible future selves emerge, our dedicated teams, based in hubs across the country, support young people to identify and develop relevant skill sets that will allow progress toward their goals.

The more real the possibility becomes, the greater the increase in motivation and resilience to achieve it.

Celebrating Growth, Ambition and Achievement: Future Leaders Celebration Events

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 15:37:38 GMT

At Villiers Park we are proud to celebrate not just academic outcomes, but also the personal journeys behind them.

Our recent Celebration Events in Hastings, Tyneside, Swindon, Cambridge and Norwich brought together students, alumni, families, school partners and supporters. Together, we celebrated the incredible achievements of young people on our Future Leaders and Leadership Challenge programmes.

Among our special guests were the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, the Mayors of Hastings and Bexhill, corporate partners, alumni and school liaisons. We were thrilled to be joined by so many people play a vital role in helping young people unlock their potential.

The events featured inspiring stories from young people, including Lily (Year 11), who reflected on her journey:

“Leadership Challenge has given me so many opportunities and greatly improved my confidence in how I oversee the world.”

Sophie, also in Year 11, spoke about the value of individual guidance:

“The coaching was just incredible, to have that dedicated time to sit down and discuss my future, what I wanted to do and my aspirations.”

As many of our Year 13 students look ahead to university life, one participant, Kyle, shared:

“I am very thankful to the programme as a whole, because of the opportunities for university life, for that experience and the knowledge that's been given to us.”

The long-term impact of Villiers Park was powerfully summed up by alum Joshua Drinkwater:

“I’m now working as a Trainee GP in West Swindon [...] simply without Villiers Park I don’t think I would have got there.”

As students are eagerly awaiting their results today, we are proud to have played a part in many stories and to celebrate our students' growth both in and beyond the classroom.

Future Leaders Inspired at University of Bath Residential

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:54:56 GMT

In July, 94 Year 10 Future Leaders from across the country came together for an exciting residential experience at the University of Bath, returning home inspired, confident and thinking forward to their futures.

Our four-day schedule was jam-packed with activities to give students a taste of university life and help them explore future pathways. From campus and city tours to academic taster sessions and project work, our young people embraced every opportunity. This included exploring both university and apprenticeship routes, developing employability skills and taking time to make new connections with peers from across the country in their project work.

This immersive schedule was delivered in collaboration with our brilliant partners. We’re hugely grateful to Dale Willis from My Great First Job and volunteers from AM and Sopra Steria, who ran hands-on employability and skills workshops.

Huge thanks also go to the Faculty staff, Outreach Team and Student Ambassadors at the University of Bath, who played a vital role in shaping such a welcoming and engaging experience.

What Future Leaders Had to Say:

We asked our students to describe their residential in three words or phrases. Here’s a snapshot of what they said:

"Fun, informative, confidence booster"
"Welcomed, confident, resilience"
"Opportunity, incredible, inspiring"
"Fun, engaging, interactive"

Participants especially praised the University of Bath’s Student Ambassadors for their warmth, insight, and openness:

“They were kind and patient, also really informative and positive.”
“Sara helped by telling us her personal interests, which made it easier to talk to her. As we got to know her, she explained uni life and how to get in better.”
“They helped to share their own personal experiences and inform us of many possibilities.”

For many, this was their first real experience of higher education and the sense of independence left a lasting impression. Jess, from The Deanery School, said:

“I've never been able to actually experience a university before. So being able to have this freedom and be with your friends… it’s just a very nice experience.”

Issy, also from The Deanery School, echoed that sentiment:

“I like having the independence… you’re not being told what’s due, you have to do it on your own. It gets you prepared for life outside of school.”

Measuring the Impact

Our evaluation shows a meaningful shift in aspirations and outlook:

91% of students said they now feel more outward looking.

84% confirmed the residential helped them decide to apply for university or made them more likely to.

89% said that their confidence increased through the residential.

This blend of exploration, independence and expert-led sessions offered students both practical knowledge and personal inspiration. It’s clear from their feedback that the 2025 Residential has left a lasting impression and we can’t wait for the next one!

Villiers Park and Roku pledge to work together to empower young people with key career skills

Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:36:12 GMT

Villiers Park and Roku, a pioneer in TV streaming, are proud to be working together to inspire the next generation of leaders in STEM, technology and entertainment.

Our exciting new partnership will ensure that young people from under-represented backgrounds have access to the expertise, education and insights needed to embark on innovative career paths.

This partnership will reach young people throughout the 2024/25 academic year, with Roku playing a key role in supporting the Future Leaders programme, with a particular focus on Cambridge and Norwich. Through employer insights, interaction with Roku employees and firsthand experiences of the world of work, students are introduced to new possibilities which help to develop vital skills. These interactions broaden horizons for young people, making future career pathways into some of the world’s most dynamic industries become clearer.

We are thrilled to have already started collaborating with Roku. Earlier this month, we welcomed Josh, Zsofia and Matthias to North Cambridge Academy and Coleridge Community College as part of our Enrichment Partnerships Pilot (EPP) where they delivered inspiring talks to over 300 students about how their hobbies and extracurricular interests have helped to shape their personal and professional lives. These assemblies lay the foundation for students to develop their own enrichment activities, benefiting their peers and wider school communities.

And last Thursday, 15 students from The Hewett Academy in Norwich visited Roku’s Cambridge office with employees who introduced them to the wide variety of roles available. Through a careers panel and networking exercise students were able to learn more about individual career journeys and the key skills they would need on their own, including everything from internship applications to how to search for opportunities. Roku colleagues also shared valuable advice, encouraging curiosity, learning through mistakes, and practicing coding to build expertise.

Advice from Roku employees to young people starting their career journeys:

“Learn from your mistakes but don’t be afraid to make them”

“To get into development read as write as much code as you can, you with learn by doing”

“Be curious”

"At Roku we are committed to transforming pathways for students from under-represented communities by creating programs that develop future generations of talent into our industries. We are pleased to partner with Villiers Park to help us further this mission across England.”

Allegra Armas, Social Impact Project Manager at Roku

“It’s been great working with Roku, on both the Enrichment Partnerships Pilot, and our visit to their impressive office in Cambridge. We are thrilled that Roku are committed to supporting young people in Norwich and Cambridgeshire develop their skills and offering valuable insights into future career opportunities in fields like Science and Technology.”

Megan Broughton, Villiers Park’s Programme Coordinator for the East of England

“Our partnership with Roku is a fantastic opportunity to give young people from under-represented backgrounds real, hands-on experiences and connections with industry professionals. Not only inspiring them to realise their potential but also equipping them with the career skills and confidence to succeed.”

Gaby Sumner, Villiers Park Chief Executive

“The Experience of a Lifetime”: Back at the University of Bath for our Year 10 Residential

Mon, 23 Sep 2024 11:49:37 GMT

“The Experience of a Lifetime”: Back at the University of Bath for our Year 10 Residential

13.08.2024

Future Leaders from 10 schools came together to discover the many options open to them when leaving school.

In July, we were thrilled to hold our 2nd Year 10 residential at the University of Bath. This year 81 Future Leaders from our hubs across the country travelled to Bath, some by coach and some by plane!

Residentials are a vital and enriching part of our programme. They offer young people time away from the classroom to explore a range of future pathways, including university, apprenticeships and careers, and bring students together to work on group projects over the week. Future Leaders rated the residential at least 4 out of 5, with 90% of students telling us that it met or exceeded their expectations.

Monique, a Future Leader from Norwich, told us: “I was already thinking about going to university but this has definitely helped open my eyes to not only the options outside of uni, but how much I enjoyed being at university.”

Our programme for the residential kicked off with a morning session with Dale from My Great First Job, who led an insightful workshop on apprenticeships. This dedicated time allowed our Future Leaders to deepen their understanding of alternative post-16 pathways. We were also joined for a careers session by Sopra Steria volunteers who challenged students to use strategies for time management and prioritisation to deliver their projects on time.

Students working during their skills building sessions on team work.

Our amazing Student Ambassadors also took Future Leaders on a tour of Bath. As well as discovering the city’s history and seeing iconic landmarks, students got to enjoy time off-campus and continue developing new friendships and connections.

Tour of the City of Bath, led by the University's Student Ambassadors.

Tom, a Future Leader from Swindon, added, “I absolutely loved doing the trip around the city. It’s the thing I’ve been most excited for when I first heard about the trip because I love seeing historical sights.”

The week culminated in a careers fair where Future Leaders presented their project work to their peers. Throughout the week students produced poster-boards and presentations on careers in subjects they were interested in. They put an incredible amount of work into make these projects not only informative but also vibrant and creative!

Poster-boards of students' work.

Karen Kingston, Programme Coordinator in Swindon, said: “It was great to see how well the Future Leaders bonded with each other over the 4 days. They formed some good inter-school friendships.”

We asked our Future Leaders for three words or phrases to sum up their experience at the residential:

“Super enjoyable, lots of new friends, lovely living away from home experience”

“Fun, enjoyable, informative”

“Experience of a lifetime, building relationships and developing skills”

To find out more about the Future Leaders Programme click here!

Thanks to the University of Bath, Sopra Steria, the Essex Community Foundation and all those supporters who helped to make the residential such a success. A special thanks to the Student Ambassadors for being brilliant hosts!

Celebrating our Future Leaders!

grant@blam.online (Blam Websites) — Sun, 15 Sep 2024 11:49:37 GMT

Celebrating our Future Leaders!

15.08.2024

Congratulations to all of our Futures Leaders on Results Day!

Today marks a significant milestone in the lives of young people across the country. We have worked with many of our Future Leaders throughout their GCSEs and into A Level studies. It is a huge privilege to be able to see the brilliant achievements, growth in confidence and self-belief during this time. So, from the whole team at Villiers Park, we wish all of our Future Leaders, and young people across the country, our congratulations on your amazing achievements.

Villiers Park Chief Executive, Gaby Sumner said:

“Congratulations to all A-Level students on your incredible achievements. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of our Future Leaders at celebration events earlier this year, so I have seen how hard-working and enthusiastic you have all been. Regardless of the results, your dedication and passion has been truly remarkable.”

We are thrilled to share a few of the brilliant achievements of our Future Leaders who will be heading to university:

Congratulations to Rida from Swindon who has secured a place at the University of the West of England (UWE) to study Business and Marketing.

Congratulations to Abigail from our Tyneside hub who has confirmed her offer from Durham to study Law.

We also have a Future Leader who will be studying Sports Coaching at Liverpool John Moores University, another heading to the University of Gloucestershire to study Zoology, and Reece, who will be going into a Project Management and Digital Solutions apprenticeship.

For many this day will bring the confirmation of grades they needed to follow their chosen pathway directly. However, others are experiencing unexpected outcomes and we want you to know that your hard work does not go unrecognised, and that the Villiers Park team are here to support you to discover new opportunities, or new routes to reach your ambitions.

Remember that our online learning platform Launchpad is still available to Future Leaders leaving the programme. We will be keeping it up to date with resources for you moving into your next stage of education, an apprenticeship and more!

Distinctions all round with ESB

Mon, 03 Jun 2024 10:18:44 GMT

Distinctions all round with ESB

Jun 03, 2024

Congratulations to the 12 fantastic Future Leaders who completed their Level 2 Certificate in Speech with English Speaking Board (ESB).

We are thrilled to be working with ESB again this year on another oracy project!

ESB work with young people in under-represented communities, where they help all learners to possess the oracy and English language skills they need to achieve their aspirations. By developing speaking and listening skills, young people gain confidence to express themselves in all situations.

We recently held this year's oracy project in Swindon with 12 of our Future Leaders from Lawn Manor Academy and Lydiard Park Academy. Students worked hard on their Level 2 Certificate in Speech to hone their skills in public speaking with practice interviews and telephone calls. Students also developed valuable employability skills by creating their own CVs and presentations. Gaby Sumner, Villiers Park CEO said:

"The course develops young people’s communication and presentation skills as well as providing practical support with sessions on CVs, job applications and interviews. We ran the course for the first time in 2023 and the feedback was amazing. Students told us that the course increased their confidence, allowed their creativity to shine and helped them to mentally prepare for the future. They also told us how proud they were to present on subjects that they are personally passionate about."

We are thrilled to be working with ESB again this year on another oracy project!

We are proud to deliver this course that empowers our students to recognise that their voice is important and gives them the tools to confidently communicate in all situations!

It is brilliant to announce that all 12 students who participated and worked so hard on the Level 2 Certificate in Speech, have been awarded Distinctions in their assessments. This is a wonderful outcome and a huge credit to the team, as well as our liaisons, Mr Jacklin and Mrs Stewart and tutor Julia Ward.

Want to learn more about this project? Send us an email to programmes@villierspark.org.uk

Villiers Park Director of Programmes, Deborah Richardson, retires after 34 years with the charity

Mon, 26 Feb 2024 10:30:44 GMT

Villiers Park Director of Programmes, Deborah Richardson, retires after 34 years with the charity

Jun 03, 2024

Deborah Richardson who has been a key member of Villiers Park’s team for over 30 years has announced her retirement this summer.

Deborah started working for Villiers Park in 1990 and has supported tens of thousands of young people over an exceptional 34 years. Deborah managed hundreds of residentials at the charity’s residential centre in Foxton and most recently has led the Programmes team at Villiers Park, overseeing the Future Leaders Programme and working closely with colleagues from the World Wildlife Fund and Founders4Schools to launch a new green careers initiative, Sustainable Futures.

Deborah said "During my time at Villiers Park, I am proud to have been involved with so many residential courses and different projects, both at Foxton and with university partners which have raised aspirations and broadened horizons for young people from across the UK. It has been a great pleasure to work with dedicated colleagues who all share my passion for supporting young people to discover their ambitions and the pathways to them. It has also been a privilege to have worked with so many inspiring young people who have gone on to achieve brilliant things. My hope is that Villiers Park will continue to reach more young people in our hubs and beyond in the coming years."

Chief Executive, Gaby Sumner, said “It is with huge admiration that I thank Deborah for her dedication to Villiers Park. Deborah’s unwavering commitment and passion for supporting young people to achieve their potential inspires all of us who work with her. We regularly hear from people who took part in a course that Deborah ran, often many years before, who tell us what a life-changing experience it was. Deborah is a brilliant colleague, who always put others first, and she has been a great support to me and to all the team.”

Chair of Trustees, Adrian Ball, added “Deborah has made a remarkable contribution to Villiers Park. She has been a crucial member of the team whose impact on the charity and the young people we support will be enduring. On behalf of current and former trustees, our heartfelt thanks and warmest wishes for the future”.

Deborah will retire at the end of July and more details about the recruitment of a new Director of Programmes will be published shortly.

Staff Spotlight: Meet Karen!

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 10:50:00 GMT

Villiers Park Director of Programmes, Deborah Richardson, retires after 34 years with the charity

Jun 03, 2024

Introducing Karen Kingston, our Programme Coordinator in Swindon.

Karen joined Villiers Park as a Progression Coach 7 years ago and recently moved into her Programme Coordinator role in September ready to support our programmes in Swindon and Wiltshire for the 2023/24 academic year.

Outside of work, you can find Karen spending time with her family, going out for walks with adopted dogs Ollie and Daisy and relaxing with a good book!

What does your role entail?

I’m the Programme Coordinator for the Swindon and Wiltshire team, planning the local Future Leaders Programme . I enjoy working with young people to improve their aspirations by delivering coaching sessions, skills workshops and application support.

I also provide support for the Villiers Park Early Entry Programme , which supports Year 12 and 13 students who are applying to universities or courses that have a UCAS deadline of 15 October like Oxford, Cambridge, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry courses. The programme is designed to deliver accurate information about these applications and help students to develop their applications for these competitive courses.

What did you do before coming to Villiers Park?

My previous roles include Medical Underwriter and Teaching Assistant. I have also worked with students in a number of skills-building and pastoral roles during the past 18 years, and I enjoy seeing our Future Leaders find the confidence to take their next step in their academic and life plans.

What is your biggest project at the moment?

We have recently implemented a new digital platform called Launchpad so there is lots to be done to get all our Future Leaders set up on the platform.

What is your favourite part about your job?

Seeing the young people that we work with grow in confidence about their future plans and ambitions

What is a book you always will always recommend?

The Miseducation of Evie Epworth by Matson Taylor

If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go?

I would go back to the Maldives, I first visited in 2000.

Who are your 2 dream dinner party guests?

This is so difficult to only pick 2! I’d love to listen to Dame Judy Dench and Gary Barlow talk about their careers

What would your perfect weekend look like?

A weekend in Lyme Regis with my family - walks, good food and time to relax with a book.

Celebration Events Recognise Future Leaders' Inspring Progress and Achievements!

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 11:19:51 GMT

Celebration Events Recognise Future Leaders' Inspring Progress and Achievements!

Jun 03, 2024

We had a wonderful time welcoming Future Leaders, their families and Villiers Park supporters to celebrate together.

As the academic year has now ended, we are reflecting on the year’s successes at our Celebration Events. We had a busy few weeks dashing from Hastings and Swindon to Tyneside and Norwich to recognise the incredible progress of Future Leaders across the UK. We were delighted to welcome friends, families and supporters to cheer on Future Leaders who themselves took centre stage, as hosts and award-winners!

Gaby Sumner, Villiers Park Chief Executive said:

“Celebration events are some of my favourite times of the year. Colleagues, volunteers, supporters, friends, family and Future Leaders come together to reflect on and celebrate achievements from the last year. It’s so important to take the time to recognise students’ accomplishments and for them to take pride in their progress. We also welcome back Future Leader alumni who are fantastic role models”

Throughout the event, we enjoyed hearing directly from the Future Leaders themselves about the fascinating projects and events they have been involved with this year. Their passion and dedication was truly infectious, leaving us all inspired by their accomplishments.

Abigail, a Future Leader from Tyneside, gave an inspiring speech recounting her experiences, which included work experience at the House of Commons and a University Insight Day.

“Whenever we as young people feel inadequate, or like we don't fit in, we shouldn't strive to fit in, but we should strive to embrace our differences. I'm so grateful to Villiers Park for giving me this opportunity because I feel like I've gained so much knowledge.

I'd recommend this experience to anyone. In fact, I'd recommend anyone to take any good experience they get given because of the insurmountable skills that I acquired and the fact that it's good on my CV! Villiers Park has offered me endless opportunities”

We wish all our Future Leaders, their families and our supporters have a wonderful summer, and look forward to welcoming you back in September!

Future Leaders Gain Unforgettable Insight into the House of Commons

Mon, 21 Aug 2023 11:34:50 GMT

Future Leaders Gain Unforgettable Insight into the House of Commons

Jun 03, 2024

Through the Social Mobility Work Experience Scheme five of our amazing Future Leaders spent the week in Westminster to learn all about the inner workings of UK parliament

Our Future Leaders had the exclusive opportunity to take a glimpse into what it is like to work at the House of Commons as part of a work experience placement for the fifth year running. They spent the week living and working in London as part of The House of Commons Chamber and Committees Team Social Mobility Work Experience Scheme.

This scheme aims to provide young people from under-represented backgrounds an opportunity to gain insight into Parliament and explore the range of career options available. By demystifying what working in Parliament is like, the hope is that students may be inspired and see Parliament as an accessible and desirable place to work.

Deborah Richardson, Villiers Park Programmes Director, accompanied students to London:

"It was a fantastic experience for our Future Leaders. This is a brilliant way to observe how our Future Leaders developed their understanding and knowledge of British politics and also their confidence in being able to formulate, articulate and communicate their own political viewpoints"

Abdul, Rida, Abigail, Laila and Clara are all interested in UK politics and were keen to learn more about how decisions are made in parliament. They had a packed schedule including touring some of the many buildings that make up parliament, attending meetings in their departments, networking with students from other organisations and even meeting the Speaker of the House of Commons in his private quarters.

Clara, a Future Leader from Hastings & Bexhill, said about her experience:

“I love debating and we do parliamentary-style debating at school so it was amazing to meet the Speaker”

Effective communication not only enhances academic achievements for young people but also enables students to develop a broader vocabulary and fosters confidence and improved wellbeing.

It wasn’t all work though! Wanting to give our Future Leaders the full London experience we had a trip to Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre to experience the Comedy of Errors as many would have in days gone by, with a standing view! We also journeyed over to East London to experience the vibrant culture and food on Brick Lane.

Some final thoughts from students that took part:

Would you be interested in a career in Parliament?

“I loved it and would love to come back”

“Yes, definitely, in Select Committee teams especially and possibly in being an MP. Reason being the importance of the work and having a sense of duty”

"Yes! Either in the Select Committees or the Engagement and Media Team"

"I really liked the Speaker's Constitutional Advisor role"

Future Leaders come together at the University of Bath for an unforgettable residential experience

Fri, 04 Aug 2023 11:49:28 GMT

Future Leaders Gain Unforgettable Insight into the House of Commons

Jun 03, 2024

Over 80 students from Norwich, Hastings, Swindon (Wiltshire), and Tyneside come together for Villiers Park’s first Year 10 residential since the pandemic, exploring educational and career opportunities and building essential skills for the future.

It was amazing to bring Future Leaders from 14 schools at the University of Bath for our four-day residential. In our first residential since the pandemic, Future Leaders were encouraged to connect with one another and delve into their group research projects.

Gaby Sumner, Chief Executive said:

"Residentials have long been a cornerstone of Villiers Park so we were delighted to re-launch them with four days at the University of Bath for Year 10s. Future Leaders were able to experience life on this fabulous university campus first-hand, meet student ambassadors and each other, and take time to consider future pathways whether that’s study, apprenticeships or both. Our coaching approach means we will continue to support these Future Leaders throughout Year 10 and Year 11, opening up further opportunities and supporting the application of new skills and knowledge back in the classroom”.

Some of our Tyneside Future Leaders said:

“It’s a really nice break from routine, compared to regular education where you are doing the same things. It’s nice to still learn but be in a new environment”.

“The nights staying away, being thrown together and being in a different setting makes it easier to connect with other people”.

We were joined by volunteers from Sopra Steria and Nationwide, who shared their own experiences and pathways, including non-linear career paths that have led to the discovery of new opportunities.

In between tours, talks and workshops, Future Leaders were hard at work putting together a research project on a specific course area which interested them. They were tasked with mapping out different career options at post 16 or post 18 and creating a poster board. Students were in mixed groups across all hubs and worked brilliantly together to present their findings.

Alex Grant, Assistant Director Villiers Park said:

“The residential was so much fun, but more importantly, the Future Leaders had an experience that will inform their coaching conversations and future choices”

A big thank you to everyone who helped to make the residential possible! It was generously supported by the University of Bath and Essex Community Foundation, and we were delighted to welcome volunteers from corporate partner Sopra Steria. Special thanks to the teachers from our partner schools and colleges, who gave their time and support to make this an unforgettable week!

Staff Spotlight: Musetta Ripamonti

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 11:58:22 GMT

Future Leaders Gain Unforgettable Insight into the House of Commons

Jun 03, 2024

Introducing Programmes Support Officer and Progression Coach Musetta!

Musetta Ripamonti was been with Villiers Park for over 10 years as a mentor and coach and is currently working on an ambitious project to empower children in care. Read more about Musetta's journey with Villier's Park below.

How long have you been at Villiers Park and what does your role entail?

I joined Villiers Park in 2011. I am a Progression Coach and Programmes Support Officer in Hastings and Bexhill. My role is focused on coaching and mentoring teenagers aged 15 to 18, both one to one and in groups . Our coaching model is all about young people mapping their future pathways and learning about all their 'possible selves'. My Programme Support Officer role involves creating course content, doing admin support, project management and programme delivery.

What did you do before coming to Villiers Park?

I worked for the Excellence Cluster a local educational charity in the behaviour management unit and with gifted and talented children. I also taught English in state schools in Japan for two years, also in China, Paris and language schools in the UK. Before that I worked for The Royal Society. I was responsible for the administration of all scientific exchange groups and delegations between Britain and China.

What is your biggest project at the moment?

Working on the First Star Scholars Programme. This programme is aimed at supporting and raising aspirations for children and young people growing up in care by offering educational alternatives and experiences to help them realise their potential.

What is the biggest challenge you are currently facing in your role?

Coordinating the various elements that go towards a First Star webinar taking place and finalising the First Star Leadership Challenge projects which for the first time, have all been planned via online webinars only.

What is your favourite part about your job?

When something I’ve dedicated time and thought to comes together as it’s meant to. How do I know it’s been a success? I have my internal critic to contend with but positive feedback is always a good indicator.

What is a book you always will always recommend?

True Tales of American Life compiled by Paul Auster.

If you could travel to anywhere in the world where would you go?

Back to S. E. Asia again. With my children this time around.

Who are your 2 dream dinner party guests?

Nikola Tesla and Marilyn Monroe. So many questions....

What would your perfect weekend look like?

Traditional horse drawn caravan starting in Naples and going South. Horses driven by Viggo Mortensen!

A visit to ARU

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 12:11:45 GMT

Future Leaders Gain Unforgettable Insight into the House of Commons

Jun 03, 2024

Students from the Norwich Hub attended a University Insight Day at Anglia Ruskin University

In May, 11 students from the Hewett Academy and Sprowston Community Academy in Norwich travelled to Cambridge to take part in a university insight day. This is the first trip that Villiers Park have run to Anglia Ruskin University and we are delighted to give students a snapshot of university life at ARU.

We were hosted by an amazing team of ARU Student Ambassadors who kicked off the day with a fun ice breaker challenge to get students working together. Then a short talk from final year student, Georgie, on her own motivations for coming to study at ARU and all the benefits it has brought her. This included the chance to study in the beautiful and historic city of Cambridge and also the 70+ student run societies on offer. Here the students got a sneak peak into the fun and more social side of university and also answers to their practical questions about housing and student finance.

Afterwards we were given a guided tour of the ARU Cambridge campus, made all the more inspiring due to the sunshine. Students were excited by the aptly named ‘Super Lab’ in the science building and the facilities in the Mumford Theatre. Once we had seen the sights it was time for an insight into Paramedic Science and Computer Science with the Student Ambassadors. Our students assessed a plan to tend to casualties at a roadside collision and reviewed the development process of a website. Here they were able to gain insight into the content and structure of these differing courses.

Throughout the day students were able to build a picture of how their own university experience may look in the future. Something which is key for students in Norwich which has been ranked in the bottom five out of 317 local authorities in England for educational attainment, skills and training. It is our aim on our university insight days to give students who may have no one in their family life who went to university an idea of the experience as a whole, so they can picture themselves there in the future.

Thank you to our generous supporters including the Diana Hiles Memorial Fund, The Educational Foundation of Alderman John Norman, Paul Bassham Charitable Trust, the Tesco Golden Grant Award for making this experience possible for our Norwich students.

Want to learn more about how we empower young people to reach their full potential? Check out how we work with universities here.

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Alumni Spotlight: Fatema

"T hroughout secondary school, the programme provided mentorship and encouragement. I remember looking forward to sharing my progress with Karen each session we had. "

Staff Spotlight: Imrana Ali

This month we are spotlighting Imrana who joined our team in July 2025 as a Progression Coach in Swindon and Wiltshire.

Expanding Horizons and Inspiring STEM Career Pathways: MathWorks and Villiers Park

Villiers Park is proud to continue its partnership with MathWorks , which has significantly expanded the horizons of young people from under-represented backgrounds, demystifying pathways into STEM and developing key academic and employability skills that help young people to thrive.

Levelling the playing field in the UK’s most unequal city

STEM Applications in Industry

Impact Beyond Cambridgeshire

Looking ahead

Join our team as a Trustee

We are looking for two Trustees to join the Board in 2026, who bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role.

A few words from our Chair of Trustees

Staff Spotlight: Sarah Chick

This month we’re spotlighting Sarah, who re-joined Villiers Park in September 2025 after previously working as Programme Director and Director of Education.

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National Apprenticeship Week

National Apprenticeships Week is an opportunity to highlight the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, employers and the wider economy – and their vital role in improving social mobility.

Get involved

Working at Villiers Park: Josie and Clara on Becoming Progression Coaches After the Programme

Josie and Clara are both Progression Coaches at Villiers Park but started their journey with us as students. Josie, on a 2018 Inspiring Excellence Biology residential, and Clara in 2014 on the Scholars Programme. This interview covers some of their highlights as both alumni and current employees.

Staff Spotlight: Jenny Parr

Jenny joined our team 15 years ago and has worked in various roles from Progression Coach to Programmes Manager and now Strategic Projects Manager. Jenny is passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of others and supporting young people to reach their fullest potential.

University Insights at Canterbury Christ Church University

In November we visited Canterbury Christ Church for a University Insight Day giving Future Leaders the chance to explore campus life first-hand.

Advice from our community

We have recently been sharing the wonderful stories of those who have been a part of Villiers Park over the years.

Alumni Spotlight: Lewis

" [Villiers Park] offered me the tools that helped me settle into university life quicker, something that many young students lack and struggle with throughout their time at uni. "

Opening Doors: How Villiers Park and Trinity College, Cambridge Are Tackling Barriers to Higher Education

Villiers Park is delighted to continue its collaboration with Trinity College Cambridge, a partnership which supports hundreds of young people from under-represented backgrounds every year, breaking down barriers into higher education.

Tackling barriers to social mobility in Hastings and Bexhill

Alumni Spotlight: Sam

" I remember most the residentials, with the opportunity to experience stretching and enriching lectures, activities and tasks in a friendly and warmly academic environment. "

A trip to Sopra Steria in Edinburgh

In November, 18 Year 12 students from our Tyneside hub attended an Employer Insight Day at Sopra Steria’s Edinburgh office.

Alumni Spotlight: Joanna

"It’s incredible to come full circle. Villiers Park supported me when I needed it most, and now I have the privilege of helping to make those same opportunities available to others.”

From Participant to Partner: Joanna Finlay’s Villiers Park Journey Comes Full Circle

Alumni Spotlight: Abigail

"Whenever we as young people feel inadequate, or like we don't fit in, we shouldn't strive to fit in, but we should strive to embrace our differences. I'm so grateful to Villiers Park for giving me this opportunity because I feel like I've gained so much knowledge"

Alumni Spotlight: Benita

"T he Charity Commission reported in 2017 that 92% of trustees are white, two-thirds are male and the average age is between 55-64 years old, so I’m very pleased to be moving the needle on that. I can’t wait to see what the next generation of Future Leaders achieves. "

Alumni Spotlight: Isma'il

" Villiers Park had a monumental role in helping me discover and refine my own capabilities that in turn enabled me to succeed in my professional career. I can't think of any other thing that had such an impact on my life, for which I am forever grateful. "

Digital Solutions for Sustainability

Beginning in November, 21 A level students from our partner colleges in the East of England have been developing sustainability projects, in partnership with AVEVA .

Alumni Spotlight: Hannah

" At secondary school, mentoring was really important to me. It helped to talk about my academic aspirations and worries with a professional, but someone unconnected to school. It was also comforting to hear that my worries weren’t unique! "

From Future Leader to Cambridge Scholar: Hannah’s Journey

Alumni Spotlight: Joshua

"At the moment I'm working as a trainee GP [...] and simply without Villiers Park I don't think I probably would have got there."

Welcoming Our New Head of Fundraising, and an Exciting New Role in the Team

We’re delighted to welcome Melody Brooker to Villiers Park Educational Trust as our new Head of Fundraising !

Oracy Qualifications for Year 10s at Lawn Manor

In October, 18 Year 10 students from Lawn Manor Academy in Swindon took part in a week-long English Speaking Board (ESB) programme aimed at developing their communication, language and employability skills.

Villiers Park 2024–25: A Year in Numbers

As we embark on the next exciting year at Villiers Park, we are proud to reflect on an incredible 24-25 academic year.

Make a Difference Week with Sopra Steria

Spotlight on: Leadership Challenge

Shining a light on the brilliant work of our Future Leaders across the country!

What is Possible Selves?

An introduction to the theory underpinning our Future Leaders programe.

Celebrating Growth, Ambition and Achievement: Future Leaders Celebration Events

At Villiers Park we are proud to celebrate not just academic outcomes, but also the personal journeys behind them.

Future Leaders Inspired at University of Bath Residential

In July, 94 Year 10 Future Leaders from across the country came together for an exciting residential experience at the University of Bath, returning home inspired, confident and thinking forward to their futures.

Villiers Park and Roku pledge to work together to empower young people with key career skills

Villiers Park and Roku, a pioneer in TV streaming, are proud to be working together to inspire the next generation of leaders in STEM, technology and entertainment.

“The Experience of a Lifetime”: Back at the University of Bath for our Year 10 Residential

“The Experience of a Lifetime”: Back at the University of Bath for our Year 10 Residential

Celebrating our Future Leaders!

Celebrating our Future Leaders! ﻿

Distinctions all round with ESB

﻿ Distinctions all round with ESB ﻿

Villiers Park Director of Programmes, Deborah Richardson, retires after 34 years with the charity

﻿ Villiers Park Director of Programmes, Deborah Richardson, retires after 34 years with the charity ﻿

Staff Spotlight: Meet Karen!

﻿ Villiers Park Director of Programmes, Deborah Richardson, retires after 34 years with the charity ﻿

Celebrating our Future Leaders!

Distinctions all round with ESB

Villiers Park Director of Programmes, Deborah Richardson, retires after 34 years with the charity

Villiers Park Director of Programmes, Deborah Richardson, retires after 34 years with the charity

Celebration Events Recognise Future Leaders' Inspring Progress and Achievements!

Future Leaders Gain Unforgettable Insight into the House of Commons

Future Leaders Gain Unforgettable Insight into the House of Commons

Future Leaders Gain Unforgettable Insight into the House of Commons

Future Leaders Gain Unforgettable Insight into the House of Commons