Pupils from primary schools across Glasgow celebrated their ‘graduation’ from a University of Strathclyde widening participation initiative.
The pupils had taken part in Young Strathclyder, a widening access programme aimed at raising the aspirations of those from disadvantaged backgrounds and supporting their educational attainment and learning opportunities.
Across two ceremonies in the Barony Hall, on Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th June, 520 pupils wearing gowns and mortar boards took to the stage to be ‘capped’ and presented with a certificate of achievement, watched by family and friends.
Pupils participated in the programme from Annette Street, Bankhead, Carntyne, Chirnsyde, Cranhill, Cuthbertson, Dunard, Glendale, Miller, Oakwood, St Benedict’s, St Patrick’s, St Rose of Lima, St Timothy’s and Wellshot Primary Schools.
Belonging and confidence
They had all taken part in a range of engaging and interactive educational activities, designed by staff across the University’s four faculties – Strathclyde Business School, Science, Engineering and Humanities & Social Sciences – helping them to build a sense of belonging and confidence within a Higher Education setting.
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Principal & Vice-Chancellor of Strathclyde, who presided over the graduation ceremony on Wednesday, said: “Strathclyde was founded as a place of useful learning, open to all with the ability to learn, regardless of their circumstances.
“Young Strathclyder embodies this ethos – and our values as a socially progressive University – by helping young people from some of our most challenged communities to understand that higher education is a route that is open to them.
“By showcasing the wide range of study options available at university and the many ways in which universities make a positive impact on the world we hope to inspire them to keep on learning.”
Widening access
The pupils were supported by Strathclyde student mentors, many of whom are from widening access backgrounds themselves and some of whom work as mentors as part of the Management Development Programme in the Strathclyde Business School.
Pupils receive credit for completing activities as they progress through the different levels of the Young Strathclyder programme: Primary, S2 and Accelerate for S5 and S6. These three main stages of the programme are designed to coincide with key stages in the pupils’ educational journey, providing them with a continuum of engagement and support from the University.
In 2024/25 more than 2,000 pupils across Primary and Secondary school were involved with Young Strathclyder.
Seventeen secondary schools took part in the Young Strathclyder S2 programme – All Saints, Whitehill, Springburn, Castlemilk, Eastbank, St Rochs, St Andrews, Smithycroft, Lochend, St Margaret Marys, Lourdes, St Mungo's, Notre Dame, Hyndland, Govan, Shawlands, Knightswood – which saw pupils attend the Strathclyde campus for a day, engaging in activities that offer them an in-depth look at University courses and related careers with a focus on supporting pupils into making informed National 5 subject choices.
A further 274 S5 and S6 pupils participated in Young Strathclyder Accelerate, a week-long programme that helps pupils find out more about specific University subject areas that they might be interested in going on to study.