‘Experience matters’: a case study of student reflections from taking part in a pre-university outreach and mentoring programme

Access for under-represented students is a crucial goal for the higher education sector, especially in England. Evidence suggests that multi-intervention outreach and mentoring (MIOM) programmes can support students to gain experience and confidence to navigate applications. This case study explored one MIOM initiative designed to give learners (16–17 year olds) experience of university life. Semi-structured interviews with 12 MIOM participants who enrolled at the 'host' university examined motivations, experiences and ongoing impacts. Most students participated to gain experience of campus, lectures and university life. Many identified as first-generation students, and half reported that the MIOM helped them prepare for university. Quantitative data showed that nearly all enrolled participants, and a higher proportion than similar peers, continued to their second year. Overall, this case study suggests the MIOM may have contributed to participants gaining important university experiences and feeling confident and prepared for university.