The Strive Programme at High Pavement Campus has reached its third year, continuing to offer support to students who are preparing for competitive university courses and advanced apprenticeships. Led by lecturer Zoe Cutter, the programme helps students develop their academic skills and confidence as they plan their next steps.
In 2025, our students secured places at the University of Cambridge, several Russell Group institutions, and highly competitive study areas such as Veterinary Medicine. These destinations highlight the academic aspirations nurtured through Strive and the dedication shown by participating students.
Freya Sweeney (Cambridge University), Nancy Penn (Oxford University), and Geri Karamihaleva (University of Nottingham) are among the just a few of the shining examples the programme has accelerated into some of the UK’s most prestige academic institutions.
The success continues in 2026 with students receiving offers for highly competitive places on top performing medicine courses, including an offer from Cambridge, and an offer from the University of Oxford.
Strive has also been recognised nationally. In 2025, it was named a finalist at the UK Social Mobility Awards, celebrating its role in broadening opportunities for young people. This recognition was further strengthened in 2026 with the programme’s inclusion on the UK Social Mobility List, acknowledging its sustained impact on widening participation and raising student aspirations.
On 26 February, students and their families attended a celebration event in the High Pavement library. The evening marked the completion of this year’s programme, with awards presented for the best essays and for individual contributions made over the course of the year. Staff highlighted how this year’s group approached the programme with steady commitment, engaging with material beyond their regular coursework and making meaningful progress in their academic development.
We spoke to some of the students at the celebration event about their experiences. They said:
“The Strive Programme has widened my thinking about the future and the possible options I can access. Zoe is great at running the sessions and I have learned so much from her.”
-Ava Humber-McQuade
Another student said:
“The programme was an excellent opportunity that proved achieving was possible.”
-Khaolah Adewumi
Alongside the awards, students were also challenged to write essays. We spoke to the winner of the competition about the opportunity and Strive Programme. She said:
“From Strive I have gained the extra inspiration to push myself further for my aspirations of achieving a place at med school. I hope to take the skills with me forward to enhance my career and university options.”
-Chloe-Mae Green
Results and progression
The programme mentors each student though each stage of their journey, from early aspiration to successful university destinations.
Current Year 2 students (progression):
- Ned Hussey‑Patchett – Brighton, Sussex Medical School, and University of East Anglia – Medicine (offer)
- Lyan Nassar – University of Cambridge, Sheffield University, and Birmingham University
Strive alumni destinations:
- Freya Sweeney – University of Cambridge, Jesus College – Medieval and Modern Languages
- Nancy Penn – Fine Art at the University of Oxford
- Geri Karamihaleva – University of Nottingham – Veterinary Medicine and Surgery
- Kevin Nwagwu – Economics – University of Sheffield
Zoe Cutter said:
“I knew we had something special when I first started Strive back in 2023, but even I’ve been surprised by how quickly the programme has become a part of our High Pavement culture! Strive champions ambition and the advancement of social mobility, and now our student excellence and achievements can be celebrated.
Strive alumni progressing to Oxbridge and pursuing careers paths in medicine and veterinary medicine have become role models, who are genuinely inspiring year 1 students to be just as aspirational.
I am proud to say that Strive is building a movement, making a difference and driving change at High Pavement.”
With its third year now complete, the Strive Programme continues to play an important role in supporting students who are preparing for their next steps in education. Preparations are already underway for welcoming the next cohort later in the year.
