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.
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.
68% reported they gained confidence.
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!
