The Plus Programme

The Plus Programme provides a way for students from backgrounds that are under-represented at university to connect with peers, share their voices and access exclusive opportunities and funding.

What is the Plus Programme?

The Plus Programme is dedicated to ensuring the success of every widening participation and under-represented student at Leeds.

Our approach goes beyond just closing retention gaps; it's about fostering belonging, enhancing students' financial security, using data-driven evaluation to guide our approach and advocating for students across the institution and beyond.

With a student-focused mind-set, we empower individuals to thrive academically and personally, creating a community where every student feels supported and valued.

Video transcript: Plus Programme – Staff Information

What can students access as part of the Plus Programme?

Opportunities to meet peers at a range of free social activities and events
Scholarships, funding pots and financial wellbeing related activities
Exclusive careers provision and opportunities to develop employability skills
Information and support to progress to Postgraduate Taught or Research studies
Student involvement initiatives enabling active participation in the Plus Programme and wider university
Enhanced academic support and wellbeing related provision

Who is eligible to join the Plus Programme?

Undergraduate students and Postgraduate Taught students from backgrounds less represented within the University can benefit from the Plus Programme. This includes, but is not limited to:

Students who do not have parental support (estranged)
Care leavers and care-experienced students
Students with caring responsibilities
Students entering the University from an area of low participation
Undergraduate means-tested scholars
Students who are Leeds Masters Scholarship recipients
Students who enrol on our coaching schemes for minoritised ethnicities
Students who are refugees, asylum seekers, or have humanitarian protection status including Sanctuary Scholarship recipients
Students who have completed or been offered a place on an alternative admissions scheme including: Access to Leeds, Reach for Excellence and Realising Opportunities.
Students who received free school meals
Students who are studying or who have completed a Foundation Year with the Lifelong Learning Centre, Social Sciences, or Gateway to Medicine.

If you are a student who is part of the Plus Programme or who is looking to join, please visit our ‘For Students’ site.

Annual reports