The Social Mobility Foundation is a national organisation backed by numerous prestigious institutions which runs a variety of programmes designed to open up professions for those with the ability, but not necessarily the means, to follow them. The foundation offers placements and internships, usually in the summer holiday period, that help students to build networks of support, which will allow them to develop professionally and give them the best chance of obtaining places at the leading universities. Students make a formal written application and if chosen can look forward to being part of a programme incorporating internships, residential summer schools and professional mentoring.

Loreto coordinator Mrs Winn is delighted to report that no fewer than thirty five of our students have been successful in their applications and are now anticipating an exciting summer which will see them taking up a diverse range of placements within a variety of institutions. For example, one student will be travelling to London to take up a placement at the Bar Council; several aspiring medics will be involved in residentials and high quality hospital placements, whilst tax specialists KPMG will provide a unique opportunity for a student interested in accountancy and related fields. All thirty five students now have the chance to gain a terrific boost to their academic and career aspirations. Applications for next year will open in the autumn term and we hope that many more of our bright, ambitious students will want to get involved in this most worthwhile of projects.

The photograph of some of our successful applicants was taken by Zehra Jagani, freelance photographer.