What is the Uncover Progress Programme?
Uncover Progress is a supported entry programme for Year 12 Black students, delivered in partnership with the external organisation With Insight. The programme is designed to tackle the specific barriers that Black students often face in accessing higher education, such as underrepresentation, lack of tailored guidance, and limited access to networks and support.
Through a combination of personalised mentoring and a university residential experience, Uncover Progress provides meaningful opportunities to explore university life, build confidence, and develop key academic and personal skills. You'll connect with current students and professionals, gain insight into the university experience, and be supported in preparing for your future in higher education.
Tab Content: Who is it For?
Uncover Progress is designed for Year 12 students of Black African, Black Caribbean, or mixed Black heritage who are interested in exploring university and developing their future academic potential. The programme is open to students from across the UK who are currently underrepresented in higher education and may face barriers such as limited access to guidance, support networks, or resources. We particularly welcome students who are ambitious, curious about university, and keen to build confidence through mentoring, skills development, and hands-on experiences in a university setting.
Academic Criteria
Applicants must be predicted and ‘on track’ to achieve a minimum of BBB at A Level or equivalent (e.g. DDM at BTEC level). In addition, students must have achieved five GCSEs at Level 4 or above, including English Language and Maths.
Widening Participation Criteria
Students must be in Year 12 and identify as being of Black African, Black Caribbean, or mixed Black heritage. In addition, we may prioritise students who meet one or more widening participation (WP) criteria (see Am I Eligible?)
Tab Content: Why Take Part?
Participants on the Uncover Progress programme receive several exclusive benefits including:
- Meet inspiring Black role models from higher education and industry
- Receive 1:1 tailored mentoring from these role models who have lived experience
- Take part in a residential at Lancaster University and experience campus life
- Build key academic and personal skills through interactive workshops
- Connect with a nationwide network of like-minded peers
- Be eligible to receive a reduced offer up to three grades below the standard entry requirement after completing the programme (e.g. AAA reduced to BBB).
Full details of these benefits are communicated to you throughout the programme, support also continues once you reach university through priority access to the Lancaster Success Programme.
Tab Content: Am I Eligible?
To be eligible to take part in the Uncover Progress programme, applicants must be in Year 12 and identify as being of Black African, Black Caribbean, or mixed Black heritage. This is the key priority for selection.
In addition, we may prioritise students who meet one or more widening participation (WP) criteria including:
- People from a low-income background (i.e. household income of £30,000 or less)
- People from lower socio-economic groups or from neighbourhoods where higher education participation is low (IMD Q1)
- People who are first in their family to progress to higher education (i.e. parents/guardians have not attended university. This does not include siblings or other close family relations.)
- People who are (or were) entitled to Free School Mmeals or Pupil Premium
- People from Asian, Black and mixed-ethnic groups
- People with a long-term illness, health condition and/or disability
- People with a mental health condition
- People who are neurodivergent (including Specific Learning Difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Condition, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
- People who are D/deaf, hard of hearing, B/blind or Deaf-Blind.
- be living in, or have lived in, local authority care, and/or people who are care-experienced, a care leaver, or currently in care
- People with caring responsibilities, or Young Carers
- People estranged from their families
- People from Gypsy, Roma, Traveller, Irish Traveller, Showman and Boater communities
- Refugees or asylum seekers
- Children from military families
- People from schools with a lower than national average attainment or progression to Higher Education scores.
Tab Content: What Does it Look Like?
Uncover Progress offers a carefully designed set of exclusive opportunities that support you throughout Year 12. The programme allows you to engage with Lancaster University in a meaningful and flexible way, with activities tailored to your interests and goals.
As a participant, you'll be invited to take part in a range of exciting and supportive events, including:
Residential Launch Programme – March
Kick off Uncover Progress with a two-day residential at Lancaster University. Meet your peers, explore campus life, take part in interactive sessions, and get inspired by Black role models from higher education and beyond.
Mentoring – March to November
Receive personalised, one-to-one mentoring from trained Mentors who will support you throughout the year. Sessions focus on academic confidence, personal development, and preparing for university.
Graduation Event – November
Celebrate your achievements at a final graduation event organised by With Insight, bringing together students, mentors, and university staff to mark the end of the programme.
New for this year...
Uncover Progress will introduce an Advisory Board made up of Student Mentors. This group will play an active role in shaping the strategic direction of the programme, ensuring it reflects the needs and voices of Black students. The Advisory Board may also introduce exciting new sessions and opportunities, creating an even more enriching and relevant experience for participants.
Tab Content: How Do I Get Involved?
Applications for The Uncover Progress programme will open in September 2025. Please note that applications for this programme are managed by our partner With Insight, who oversee recruitment, screening, and selection. They ensure applications are assessed fairly and in line with eligibility criteria. Successful applicants will be contacted directly by With Insight with next steps.
For support or questions, please contact With Insight via their email.