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Foreword Contents
In the COVID-19 pandemic, it can feel hard to find positives, particularly for young people in education. Exams were cancelled, schools were closed, and students’ futures became more uncertain. Programmes like Universify are now more important than ever in countering educational inequality. It is with great pride that I can reflect on the achievements of our participants and alumni in 2020.
Not only are participants from our second cohort now at university, but our research shows that more of our students are entering top-tier universities than the national average. Despite the disruption to GCSEs our fourth cohort, due to sit the exams in 2020, received results comparable to — and in some cases better than — previous cohorts. These results are testament to their ongoing hard work and the self-directed, empowering process of coaching.
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COVID-19 prevented us from hosting residentials at Oxford and Cambridge. By adapting our programme to an online format we were able to continue to raise aspirations, connect cohorts of like-minded and ambitious students, and further their understanding of university.
We have a growing evidence base that our programme creates short and long-term impact. What we do works, inperson and online.
It has been a challenging year for all charities, and we are no different. Fundraising is tougher than ever as we look to meet the ever-increasing demand and need for our programme. Our 2020-21 cohort of 167 participants is our largest ever and we are planning for 200+ in 2021-22.
I am proud of our team of staff, volunteers and tutors, whose dedication and passion enabled us to pivot our programme and continue to support our participants. I am also grateful to all our supporters, who have believed in us and enabled us to make a positive impact throughout the pandemic.
The challenges are not over, but the successes so far fill me with belief for the future. As a sector we shall overcome the impacts of the pandemic and continue to make education and society fairer for everyone.
Mary Nicholson, Chair of Trustees, Universify Education
