Theme 2: Communities

Without support, reaching university is a challenge for anyone from a widening participation background. Thriving while you’re there is even harder. Some students face further barriers because of immutable parts of their identity. Black African and Caribbean students face systemic race disparities in many aspects of life, and education is no exception. LGBTQ+ students experience more bullying, poorer mental health, and higher rates of estrangement. They are less likely to feel they belong at university. This leads to many Black and LGBTQ+ students dropping out of university and those who stick it out until graduation often leave with a lower degree classification.

We created Pride Power and Aspire in an effort to promote and celebrate diversity in the King’s community.

Aspire and Pride Power are networks for K+ students from Black African, Black Caribbean and mixed Black backgrounds, and LGBTQ+ students and allies respectively. The networks celebrate participants’ identities, creating a safe space for them to foster a sense of belonging and build self-confidence.

Elsie Pride Power participant

King’s Scholars Family Day is an annual event which brings together families of Year 8 and 9 King’s Scholars, as well as our parent networks from Parent Power and Hastings. In 2022, 150 parents and children participated, exploring Strand campus to get a taste of university life. We tailor the session to the different age groups with parents and carers attending talks on student finance and university accommodation. Young people take part in subject taster workshops and learn practical medical skills like taking blood pressure and dressing a wound. The day finishes with a motivational talk for everyone and a prize-giving ceremony. Every year, the feedback for Family Day is a joy to read.