Programme Outline

The Pathways programme commences for each cohort in September of Year 12 and finishes in April of Year 13. Students selected for the programme are expected to attend each session and commit to the programme for the full 2 years.

There are 50 places available per cohort at each of the Pathways groups at Leeds, Manchester, Southampton and Warwick universities, and 150 places per cohort in London, 75 at LSE and 75 at UCL.

Ementoring

One of the most important elements of the Pathways programme is ementoring. Developed by The Brightside Trust, each Pathways student receives an individual login which enables them to access up-to-date careers and university advice, receive regular news feeds from the legal world and keep in touch with their mentor.

Pathways mentors are current law students at the five Pathways institutions, and each mentor is checked by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) to ensure they are suitable to participate in the programme. The mentors are trained by their institution and Brightside to ensure they are comfortable with their role and responsibilities.

The mentors provide an additional support to the Pathways students as they understand the pressures of studying A levels and can give first hand advice and guidance throughout the programme.

Firm Placement

Each student is given the opportunity to participate in a 3-5 day placement with a law firm as part of the Pathways programme. The placements take place during school holidays, and students learn about the structure and functions of a law firm, meet a wide variety of people from senior partners through to trainees, and develop their ‘soft’ skills. The placement provides a valuable experience to include on a university application.

National Conference

All Pathways students are invited to attend the National Conference at the end of their first year on the programme. The 3-night residential conference is held in July each year at the University of Warwick and gives the students an experience of university life, and enables them to meet students from the other Pathways groups.

‘Graduation’ Ceremony

At the end of their two years on the programme, students are invited to attend a ‘graduation’ ceremony to commemorate their participation on Pathways, and to wish them well for their A level results and future university career.