Every year, the Social Mobility List recognises individuals, programmes, and institutions driving fairness across education, employment, culture and community life while working hard to expand opportunities, reflecting the extensive efforts underway to make the UK a place where talent and ambition are the true measures of success.
We were recognised for our Strive programme at our High Pavement Sixth Form which launched in 2023 and has already made a significant impact by empowering students to aim higher and achieve their full potential.
Strive was born from a vision to raise aspirations and create opportunities for young people in Nottingham. The programme is aimed at A Level students with an average GCSE grade above 6.5 and provides specialist guidance, a tailored curriculum, and enrichment opportunities to support progression to elite universities.
Lecturer and Strive & Oxbridge mentor, Zoe Cutter, is the driving force behind Strive. She said:
“I am overjoyed to be announced as being on the 2026 Social Mobility List, being names among such strong names is a huge honour. 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.
“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!”
This years list has recognised celebrities and big names such as Adele, Gary Neville, with individuals like Stormzy being named in previous years. It is such an incredible achievement for us to have been recognised among such big names.
