New initiative seeks to widen access in St Andrews

A new project named “Beyond Fife” has been launched by the University Ambassador Scheme in order to raise the aspirations of Scottish high school pupils and widen access to St Andrews. The initiative is led entirely by St Andrews students and aims to inspire school pupils to consider university and higher education in general.

The inaugural school visit took place at Falkirk High School, led by Association President Freddie fforde, SRC Member for Widening Access Avalon Borg, and Vice Principle Ambassador of Widening Participation, Kerry Campbell. The triumphant trio discussed with the pupils their own experiences of St Andrews, our diverse student body (which, contrary to popular belief, is much more than those with Barbours and Canada Goose jackets) and community spirit.

The Univerity has committed to provide funding for 15 school visits to high schools outside of Fife over the next three years, and for students at these schools to shadow current students for a day. 

Freddie fforde commented, “this is a major step forward for us in the challenge to widen participation at St Andrews. Our message all year has been to prove that St Andrews, the university and its student, encourages applications from all students of all backgrounds.”

Images courtesy of “Beyond Fife”