Reach Edinburgh is a multi-exit programme, supporting eligible S4-S6 pupils in local state schools who are considering pursuing degrees or careers in law, medicine or veterinary medicine.

Why

Law, medicine and veterinary medicine are very popular and competitive vocational programmes, which require more than just good school exam results. For most of these courses there are additional steps as part of the application process and each university requires something different. To be successful, applicants need to be able to demonstrate that they have a realistic idea of the life, skills and qualities required of a lawyer, doctor, or vet through completing career exploration and work experience. Navigating all of these requirements can make accessing these courses and the subsequent careers extremely intimidating and challenging for pupils from widening participation backgrounds who may not have the same networks and support as other pupils. Reach Edinburgh supports pupils to make strong and well-considered applications to these courses. Reach is part of a national programme, funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) and alongside its sister project ACES, forms the ‘Access to High Demand Professions’ network across Scotland.

What

Reach activities and events typically include:

  • One-to-one pre-application guidance pupils, their family and advisers
  • Advice and guidance for each of the subject strands and extra-curricular requirements
  • Workshops on personal statements, interview techniques and the UCAT
  • Work experience placements
  • On-campus career exploration workshops and events
  • Opportunities to meet and shadow current students
  • Information sessions for parents

All activities are free to attend and Reach can offer funding towards travel for eligible pupils for certain events. Reach staff are also available for in-demand support via phone and email for pupils, their families and advisers. Reach is a multi-exit programme, so offers encouragement, and impartial advice on the three career areas, guidance on school subject choices and support with all aspects of the UCAS application.

Who

Any S4-S6 pupil in a state school in the south east of Scotland who:

  • Is care experienced; or
  • Lives in a postcode area within the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation lowest 20% (SIMD20) or 40% (SIMD40); or
  • Is a young carer; or
  • Is estranged from their family; or
  • Is a refugee or asylum seeker; or
  • Is entitled to or are in receipt of Free School Meals (FSM)

For pupils in other areas, there are four other Reach programmes which make up the national Reach programme: Reach Glasgow, Reach Dundee, Reach St Andrews and Reach Aberdeen.

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