51福利

Our Vision

At 51福利, we believe that every young person should have the opportunity to fulfil their potential, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Many students have the ability to succeed in higher education but may not have access to the information, experiences or encouragement needed to see university—or other progression routes—as realistic options.

The Discover Programme aims to remove these barriers by helping students:

• Build confidence in their own abilities

• Explore a wide range of future pathways

• Understand the value of education

• Develop the skills needed for future success

• Feel that higher education is somewhere they belong

Our goal is not to encourage every student to attend university. Instead, we want every young person to feel empowered to make informed decisions about the pathway that is right for them.

What are the aims of Discover?

Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to become confident, curious and informed learners who are excited about their futures.

Discover aims to:

• Raise awareness of higher education and the different opportunities available after school.

• Increase understanding of progression pathways, including university, apprenticeships, further education and technical qualifications.

• Develop confidence and self-belief, helping students recognise their own strengths and potential.

• Encourage curiosity and a love of learning through engaging activities linked to real-world research and careers.

• Support informed decision-making by providing impartial information about future options.

• Increase students' sense of belonging in educational and academic environments.

• Help students connect classroom learning to future careers and real-world challenges.

Why Start in Year 8?

Research shows that young people's aspirations, attitudes towards learning and perceptions of higher education begin to develop long before they make important decisions about GCSEs, college or university.

By engaging students early, Discover gives them time to:

• Explore possibilities before their options begin to narrow.

• Challenge misconceptions about university and future careers.

• Develop confidence in unfamiliar environments.

• Build positive attitudes towards learning.

• Understand how the subjects they study today can lead to exciting opportunities tomorrow.

This sustained approach allows students to revisit ideas, reflect on their experiences and gradually develop a stronger understanding of their future choices.

How do I get involved in Discover Lancaster?

We work in close partnership with schools to deliver the Discover Programme in a way that fits your students, your timetable, and your wider careers provision.

If you are a teacher or school colleague and would like your students to take part, we would love to hear from you.

To express your interest, please email wp@lancaster.ac.uk and a member of the Widening Participation team at 51福利 will be in touch.

We will:

• Discuss your school context and cohort

• Confirm eligibility and targeting criteria

• Explore how the programme aligns with your careers strategy and Gatsby Benchmarks

• Work together to identify the most suitable dates for in-school sessions and campus visits

We aim to make the process as straightforward as possible and will support you with planning, logistics, and communication throughout.

We look forward to working with you to support your students on their Discover journey.