Jumpstart, an inclusive pre-entry programme by the Lifelong Learning Centre (LLC) at Leeds, empowers adults from widening participation backgrounds to overcome barriers and pursue higher education (HE) confidently. Through transformative pedagogy and practical support, Jumpstart fosters a sense of belonging and self-belief, making higher education an attainable reality.
“HE is not for me”
Adults from widening participation backgrounds often face significant barriers when considering higher education. Many lack confidence in their ability to succeed, shaped by negative educational experiences, long gaps since formal study, and socio-economic challenges.
These barriers can result in feelings of self-doubt, with individuals reporting that HE feels “not for them”. For some, previous struggles with education, combined with ongoing challenges such as mental health difficulties or caregiving responsibilities, amplify their hesitations.
Structural inequalities also limit access for those from low-participation neighbourhoods or marginalised communities. At Leeds, the LLC identified this gap and developed the pre-entry programme ‘Jumpstart’. This programme is a part of their Transforming Horizons Framework of activities for adults, developed through external community partnerships. Paired with their advice and guidance service, the Jumpstart programme empowers individuals with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to reimagine their potential and pursue educational aspirations.
Valuing lived experiences
The Jumpstart programme offers an eight-week course designed to bridge the gap between interest in HE and readiness to apply. Sessions cover academic disciplines such as arts, sciences, and social sciences while building critical skills like essay writing and reflective thinking. A core feature of the programme is its use of transformative pedagogy, rooted in Paulo Freire’s principles of valuing participants’ lived experiences as a foundation for learning.
Fiona Chapel, Communities and Partnerships Manager at the LLC, has been with the Jumpstart programme since its inception in 2011. Fiona says: “Jumpstart is all about confidence building and creating that sense of belonging, that sense of finding out what higher education is, and what people can study.”
This approach promotes inclusivity and encourages learners to explore their own narratives within broader societal contexts, fostering critical thinking and personal growth.
Recruitment to the programme focuses on sensitive guidance, with applicants interviewed to assess readiness and explore potential barriers. Practitioners provide empathetic advice to help individuals determine if Jumpstart is the right fit for their needs, ensuring that even those unable to commit now feel supported to revisit education later.
A trauma-informed approach ensures a safe, inclusive space where participants can rebuild their learner identities, particularly those navigating mental health challenges or the lingering effects of past educational trauma. "We do a lot of reflection...” comments Fiona, “...and I'm a big fan of reflecting on people's previous experiences in education."
Practical experiences, such as campus tours and library access, are complemented by peer learning. Participants often highlight the value of Learning Champions – mature student ambassadors who share their journeys of overcoming adversity. As one participant reflected, connecting with a Learning Champion who had faced similar challenges gave them “the confidence to stay and complete the course”.
The impact
Jumpstart has proven to be a transformative experience, with 74% of participants completing the programme - well above the averages for similar community-based education initiatives.
A key outcome is the reported increase in self-confidence, with evaluations showing a rise from an average of 3.1 to 3.9 on the five-point scale of the Wilcoxon signed-rank text.
Notably, 63% of participants directly attributed their increased confidence to the programme. One participant described Jumpstart as having “opened up [their] knowledge and curiosity,” allowing them to step out of their comfort zone and explore new possibilities.
The programme also fosters a sense of agency and belonging. In one case, a participant in their sixties gave their first-ever group presentation during the course, marking a profound shift in their perception of themselves as a capable learner. Reflective exercises, such as a participatory photography project, further enabled participants to connect their personal experiences with academic ideas, deepening their engagement.
Beyond the immediate confidence boost, Jumpstart has had a tangible impact on progression. Over 50% of past attendees applied to HE, with 65% of these starting a course. Participants frequently cite the programme’s practical guidance, critical thinking framework, and supportive peer environment as pivotal to their success. Jumpstart thus not only equips learners with skills but also fosters long-term aspirations, making HE an attainable reality for those who once thought it beyond reach.
Student stories
Farah’s Story: A Journey of Self-Discovery with Jumpstart
Farah Batool, a mature student at Leeds, embarked on a transformative journey through Jumpstart: “Last year in January, I found out about the University of Leeds and that there is a course for mature students at the Lifelong Learning Centre. Mature students can do a degree even if they don't have A-levels, just with GCSEs. That's how I got in contact with the LLC staff, and they told me to come to an event for mature students.”
“Jumpstart was my first exposure to the higher education setting. It was a very friendly environment where everyone was given the chance to speak and share their thoughts. I never felt rushed or pressured, which made the experience very positive. The tutors from different departments gave us a taste of various subjects, which was incredibly helpful in making an informed decision about my future studies.”
“After completing Jumpstart, I took the necessary steps to enroll in Professional Studies. Fiona and other staff members provided guidance on taking the matriculation test for maths and submitting an essay for English. Without Jumpstart, I wouldn't have known about these options or had the confidence to pursue them.”
“The biggest impact of Jumpstart on my life has been the boost in self-confidence and the sense of belonging it gave me. Whenever I pass my assignments and get my marks, I feel proud to share my achievements with Fiona, who was my first tutor. It’s a great feeling to know that I have support and that I belong in the university community.”
Louise’s Story: Building Foundations and Friendships with Jumpstart
Louise Bentley, also a mature student at Leeds, reflects on her impactful journey with Jumpstart: “Before coming to university, I was a customer service officer for Leeds City Council. The Lifelong Learning Centre came in to see us with the aim of s signposting their service to our customers. I hadn't realised that there was that option there for people to go back into learning. I felt really lucky that they'd come in, and it worked out really well for me.”
“Jumpstart was really about gathering information. No one in my family had ever been to university. It all seemed like this big, mysterious place. So it was kind of like putting your toe in the water to find out what courses they offered and what was expected. It was good for that.”
“As it was during COVID, the programme was all online for us, which was really low pressure. I wasn't having to commute to get to anywhere. It wasn't taking up a huge amount of my time. It was quite easy to fit in around other things that I was doing; I was still working full time at that point. It seemed scary finding out about higher education, but it was quite low stakes. They gave us a lot of information and a bit of a taster in all the different access courses that they do. It was all linked together with a theme, so it was interesting and relevant.”
“Jumpstart exceeded my expectations. It was absolutely brilliant. Just a really great welcome from the uni. Two of my friends now that were on the Jumpstart course came in with me on to Arts and Humanities, and we've pretty much stayed friends all the way throughout. Without having met them at Jumpstart, I don't know if I would have had that extra time to bond and get to know each other. It's been the thing that's kept me going, to be honest, throughout. Being able to touch base with these friends.”
If you’d like to find out more about Jumpstart at the University of Leeds, please email the Student Success team: studentsuccess@leeds.ac.uk.
If you are a student who would like to explore Higher Education, please contact our advice and guidance service. You can email the Lifelong Learning Centre: lifelonglearning@leeds.ac.uk or call the Lifelong Learning Centre: (0)113 343 3212.