Our High Pavement campus is proud to announce that its Strive academic enrichment programme reached the finals of the prestigious UK Social Mobility Awards (SOMOs).
The SOMOs, a fundraising initiative for the charity Making The Leap, are the first national awards dedicated to recognising and promoting social mobility across Britain’s organisations and institutions.
The awards celebrate best practice, innovation, and achievement in advancing social mobility, elevating it to the same level of importance as other diversity issues. This year saw a record number of entries, with finalists including major organisations such as Formula One, Lloyds Group, Microsoft UK, and the Financial Times.
High Pavement was shortlisted in the ‘School/College of the Year’ category for its Strive programme. Launched in 2023, Strive was born from a vision to raise aspirations and create opportunities for young people in Nottingham. The programme has already made a significant impact by empowering students to aim higher and achieve their full potential.
Lecturer and Strive & Oxbridge mentor, Zoe Cutter, is the driving force behind Strive. She said:
“I was overjoyed to be announced as a finalist for ‘School/College of the Year’ at the 2025 UK Social Mobility Awards. Strive began as my personal dream to be a tenacious advocate for social mobility, and I’m thrilled to see it recognised as a national leader in best practice. Representing our college in London was an incredible experience, and although we didn’t win this time, being shortlisted among such strong competition is a huge honour.
“I would like to thank all those who supported my vision, including our former Head of HP, Adam Beazeley. Making the Leap charity has already reached out to ask if I will collaborate with them in the future and share best practice, so I’m hoping there’s lots more exciting things to come!”
The black-tie event, hosted by TV presenter and comedian Shappi Khorsandi, featured inspiring speeches from Tunde Banjoko OBE, founder of Making The Leap and the Social Mobility Awards. It was a night of celebration, networking, and sharing best practice among educators and industry leaders committed to driving social mobility forward.
Rachel Wadsworth, Vice Principal - Curriculum & Support, said:
"The college extends its heartfelt congratulations to Zoe and the dedication shown by her and the team at High Pavement, for all the hard work and vision in making Strive a success. This recognition places the college firmly on the map as a champion of social mobility and a beacon of opportunity for young people in Nottingham.”
