Roots to Success
Roots to Success is a York-based programme designed to support students' aspirations and expectations for the future.
Roots to Success is a collaborative project between the University of York, York St John University, York College University Centre and University Centre Askham Bryan. The programme has been in place since 1998 and its aim is to engage with pupils over an extended period of time to support young people in York to make informed decisions about their future.
"Roots to Success has helped me to think positively about my future. I have thought about the range of careers that I could do and most importantly the steps I have to take to achieve my goals."
Year 11 pupil
- To provide the opportunity for students to create their own skill set to build their future in higher education
- To provide students with the experience and understanding of higher education to allow them to make informed choices
- To support students to develop the confidence and self esteem to consider that higher education is an option if they wish to pursue it
- To dispel myths about higher education and student finance
- To support enthusiasm for higher education and lifelong learning
Secondary schools
We are proud to have ten secondary schools in York involved in the Roots to Success project, some of which have been involved since 1999:
- All Saints School
- Archbishop Holgate's School
- Barlby High School
- Fulford School
- Joseph Rowntree School
- Millthorpe School
- Sherburn High School
- Vale of York Academy
- Woldgate School
- York High School
The project began with 80 Year 9 students from just three local schools. Very successful visits took place in June 1999 and this encouraged the development of the project, which now works with hundreds of students from Year 6 - 11 across schools in York and the surrounding areas.
Primary schools
In 2007, we started an exciting new Roots to Success project working with ten York primary schools, running workshops and visits for Year 6 students from across the city of York. We now work with nearly 500 pupils annually.
Working in collaboration to offer an extensive programme of activity are:
Year 6
The Seeds to Success programme shares the principles of Roots to Success; demystifying higher education and provoking thought and discussion about future careers. Following introductory workshops in each of the 10 schools delivered by further and higher education representatives, the students enjoy day visits to:
- York St John University
- University of York
Year 7
In the Autumn term of Year 7, students attend an engaging assembly which brings the pupils' learning journey into context. The interactive session aims to help students understand education transitions and build confidence.
Core element - Year 8 and 9
In January and February, Year 8 and 9 pupils will spend the day at one of the universities. Year 8 pupils will take part in a 'What’s the Point in GCSEs?' workshop. This interactive session will cover why we do GCSEs, tips on making subject choices, followed by putting GCSEs into a career context.
Year 9 pupils will get an interactive experience of university life, including a campus challenge and information on student finance.
Year 10
Select Year 10 students will have the opportunity to spend a two-day overnight visit to the University of York’s campus where they will experience university life first hand, or an extended visit day at York St John University where they will enjoy campus quests and a barbeque.
Year 11
There will be a range of sessions available for schools to book for Year 11 pupils, covering everything from student life and student finance, to university life and revision tips.
Eligibility
In 2022/23, Roots to Success will work with existing cohorts in Years 9 and 10. Roots to Success will also work with school-selected cohorts in Year 7, 8, and 10 to ensure the programme is targeting those who would most benefit from the programme.
The Roots to Success programme is designed to provide information, guidance and support for students who meet one or more of the following criteria.
- You are from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) background
- You have experience of Public Care
- You live in a neighbourhood with a low progression rate to higher education
- You are eligible for free school meals
- You are seeking asylum in the UK or have been granted Refugee status
- Your parent(s)/carer(s)/guardian(s) did not go to university or they went to university as a mature student during your secondary education
- You have a disability or long term health condition
- You are from a military of service family
- You are a young carer