Supporting targeted groups

At Liverpool we recognise that learners have individual needs and some may need different levels of support in progressing to higher education. That's why we work with various targeted groups, including young people from a care background, students with a disability, students who are estranged from their families, students with caring responsibilities and pupils from minority ethnic groups.

Disrupted Education Programme Flyer


Young people from a care background

Coming to university can be an exciting time, but we understand that it can also be a time of change and many students have concerns or worries. At the University of Liverpool, we are committed to supporting care leavers prior to starting their course, and throughout the duration of studies.

If you decide to come to the University of Liverpool, we can provide a package of support that will help during your time in Liverpool including 365-day accommodation and a range of scholarships and bursaries including the Care Leavers Opportunity Bursary worth £3,000 per year of study (excluding NHS funded courses).

Student Wellbeing Advice and Guidance

During your studies you will be supported by one of our Wellbeing Advisors who can assist you with any queries or concerns, they will also act as a link between the University, your Local Authority and any other internal or external services as required.  For further information please contact advice@liverpool.ac.uk

Widening Participation and Outreach team

In conjunction with the support offered by Student Welfare Advice and Guidance, the University of Liverpool’s Widening Participation and Outreach (WPO) team would be pleased to hear from care leavers who are interested in the opportunity to come to campus for a bespoke individual visit.  During the visit you will receive information and guidance to support transition to university, meet current students (and where possible tutors) from your subject area of interest, and have a tailored campus tour.

Additionally, if you engage with the WPO team, the University can offer:

  • Support with transport to enable participation in the University’s Open Days and Applicant Discovery Days on campus
  • And, if you receive an offer from the University of Liverpool, the offer will be reduced by up to two A-Level grade or equivalent (excluding Medicine and Foundation Programmes).

If you go on to study with us at the University of Liverpool, you will also have the opportunity to apply to work as a Liverpool Advocate with the WPO team.

Please contact Ben Toleman for more information: btoleman@liverpool.ac.uk


Minority Ethnic groups

We are committed to working with students from minority ethnic backgrounds across all of our programmes. We target local schools with minority ethnic students in mind, ensuring fair representation across each of our projects. We also have a member of staff who runs a programme of community engagement activities to support those from minority ethnic backgrounds. We work with a range of local community organisations, in partnership with current students, running campus visits and tutoring programmes. Our community engagement programme aims to support awareness, aspiration and attainment in local communities.

Fast Trackers is a GCSE attainment raising programme which supports Year 11 students from Somali, Yemeni and Black British backgrounds. As part of the programme, undergraduate and postgraduate students from a range of backgrounds and disciplines act as mentors for the students. Fast Trackers is a collaborative project, supported by the Ethnic Minority and Traveller Achievement Service (EMTAS).


Disabled students

Historically the Widening Participation and Outreach team have encouraged students with disabilities to participate in the full range of our projects, and have worked to ensure our work is fully accessible. We will continue to do this but are additionally working to develop a wider range of activities for disabled students, in conjunction with the University of Liverpool Student Success Team, Careers and Employability and the Disability Support Team.

We also host bespoke visits to the University, which are available to individual students with disabilities from local schools and colleges. The visits cover the available disability support, tours of campus and our accessible accomodation, and the opportunity to speak to current undergraduate students.


Estranged students

The University of Liverpool has taken the 'Stand Alone' pledge to support students who are estranged from their families.  We believe that students who are studying without the support or approval of a family network, should not be held back from succeeding in Higher Education.  As such the University provides a range of support for Estranged students including a central point of contact in the Wellbeing Advice and Guidance team and a financial bursary.


Young adult carers

The University of Liverpool is committed to supporting young adult carers and as such has a dedicated contact within the Widening Participation and Outreach team who can offer support and opportunities to engage with the University prior to application.  The University also provides a bursary for students who are young adult carers.