Frequently asked questions

Find out the answers to common queries, or contact us to find out more.

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LSE Widening Participation participant

What is LSE Widening Participation?

The purpose of widening participation is to remove the barriers to higher education faced by students from lower income and under-represented backgrounds. At LSE a dedicated team runs schemes for students from year 6 up to 6th form / college. These are aimed at raising aspirations and giving participants the tools to apply to and study at selective universities.

See LSE's Access and Participation Plan 

Why should I encourage my students to attend LSE’s Widening Participation schemes?

LSE provides a variety of schemes for students of different ages and backgrounds. All are free to attend and give students skills that will benefit them throughout their lives as well as at university.

Who is eligible?

We work with state-funded schools and colleges. In particular, we focus on students from backgrounds that are under-represented in higher education and/or at competitive institutions, such as LSE.

We specifically prioritise care-experienced students in our activity.

Individual programmes and events may have additional eligibility criteria. Please see the relevant programme webpages for details.

Are there any costs involved?

All the schemes are free. However schools and individuals should consider the costs of transport and lunch where these are not provided. Please see the individual scheme pages for details.

When and where do the schemes run?

Schemes take place at different times of the year, in and out of term time. Some are based on the LSE campus and around London, others are online and some are a combination of both. Please see individual programme pages for details.

What are your safeguarding procedures?

LSE is committed to creating an environment in which it is safe for children and young people to learn and grow. We value children and young people and promote an inclusive environment for all.

All LSE staff and students involved in the sessions receive appropriate training before the event. Staff or students working directly and regularly with young people on activities receive specific training on working with children, in line with our Core WP Team Safeguarding Guidance and Procedures and WP Staff Code of Conduct, Activity Guidance & Safeguarding Reporting Procedure. They also undergo an appropriate level Disclosure and Barring Service check.

All activities which take place on the LSE campus are subject to a risk assessment before they take place. The widening participation team is happy to provide schools, colleges, and parents with copies of risk assessments for individual activities, if requested.

How do I find out more and apply?

Teachers and advisers:

Join the mailing list

 

Parents and carers:

Contact details are provided on each scheme page, or for general enquiries, please email widening.participation@lse.ac.uk or call 020 7852 3622. 

What other free activities does LSE provide?

Why do you collect my data and what do you do with it?

Do you share my data with anyone else?

I am an LSE student. How can I get involved?

Our Widening Participation programme relies on LSE students leading activities, visiting education fairs and helping in schools. Full training is provided. Find out more about how to get involved.