Logo
Fitz Forward

FitzForward

17 February 2025 - 20 February 2025 | 14:00 - 15:00 |
Online

What is it?

FitzForward is a programme for students from under-represented ethnic groups who are in Year 11 (Y12 NI / S4 Scotland) and who are beginning to think about Higher Education. The programme consists of two online sessions (17th and 20th February) which will run from 14:00-15:00 and an in person visit day in the summer (date to be confirmed).

We will also be running a GCSE Support Residential in the Easter Holidays (more details can be found on our GCSE support residential webpage). Students who complete both of our online sessions, and who meet our educational criteria, will be prioritised for places on this programme

The programme has been designed collaboratively by our Outreach Team and our JCR BME officers, Noel and Fitz.

The programme aims to introduce pupils to Higher Education, and to give them an insight into the student experience at the University of Cambridge

The first online session will explore some common questions we receive about Higher Education, and about the University of Cambridge more specifically. This includes topics such as:

  • What is the difference between the University of Cambridge and other Universities? 
  • Is going to University a "waste of money"?
  • What should I do now to prepare for University?

The second online session will be led by our JCR BME officers, and is a Q&A panel with some of our current undergraduate students. The session is an opportunity for participants to ask questions about the student experience, and is also a space to discuss fears of "not fitting in" at the University. 

Who is it for?

FitzForward is for Y11 students attending state-maintained schools. Students must also be from an underrepresented ethnic group, these include:

  • Black African and Black Caribbean
  • Pakistani and Bangladeshi
  • Gypsy, Roma and Traveller

Sign Up Here

Widening Participation Criteria 

In the event of over-subscription, places for individuals will be prioritised for students who meet any of the following criteria:

  • Are care experienced
  • Have been eligible for Free School Meals (at any point in the last six years)
  • Are, or have been, an asylum seeker or refugee
  • Have significant caring responsibilities
  • Are estranged from close family members
  • Live in an area of low progression to higher education (POLAR4)
  • Live in an area of high deprivation (IMD)
  • Attend a low-performing sixth form
  • Attend/attended a low-performing GCSE school
  • Are from any background or region of the UK which is under-represented at the University of Cambridge
  • Have had any other personal circumstances that have disrupted your education

Students offered a place for the online programme may not be guaranteed a place for the in-person visit if this event is oversubscribed. More information will be provided closer to the event.