The Strive Programme

The Nottingham College High Pavement Strive Programme is aimed at A Level students with an average GCSE grade above a 6.5 and provides specialist guidance, a tailored curriculum, and enrichment opportunities to support progression to elite universities. 

The UK’s leading universities have demanding entrance requirements and strong competition for places. Our Strive Programme will help you develop key skills and provide a range of experiences to make your application stand out from the rest.

This highly successful initiative, led by lecturer Zoe Cutter, is designed to support and challenge aspirational students as they secure places at top universities and apprenticeships.

Zoe said:

"Strive is an academic enrichment programme that I founded to mentor talented students who want to progress to elite universities and degree apprenticeships after A Levels. I am committed to breaking down the barriers students face when applying to Oxbridge or selective courses such as Medicine. I look forward to supporting all our new students on their personal journey to reach their full potential."

We are proud to be partnered with the University of Nottingham and Peterhouse College, University of Cambridge, offering campus visits and bespoke workshops for our students. 

Many of our latest cohort of students have secured places at Russell Group universities and Medical Schools, such as:

• University of Cambridge
• University of Oxford
• Brighton and Sussex Medical School Medicine
• University of Warwick
• University of Edinburgh

Freya Sweeney (pictured) took part in the Strive Programme and is now proudly studying Modern and Medieval Languages at Jesus College, University of Cambridge since October 2025

Freya said:

"Strive was great because it started the conversation on super-curriculars and gave me the confidence to know I could apply to Oxbridge."

Nottingham College CEO, Janet Smith, said:

"I am delighted to endorse Nottingham College’s Strive programme. Launched only a year ago for students with great potential, but not always the confidence, to secure places at top universities, Strive has exceeded expectations. Through a unique blend of academic mentoring, dedicated support and inspirational opportunities, Strive demonstrably promotes social mobility. It’s one of a kind.  Strive literally changes lives."

We’re on the 2026 Social Mobility List! 

We’re excited to announce that we’ve been named on the 2026 Social Mobility List, joining an inspiring group that includes award-winning artist Adele, singer and author Alesha Dixon, and footballer and pundit Gary Neville.

The list, published by social mobility charity Making The Leap, celebrates individuals, organisations and initiatives that are breaking down barriers and creating opportunities so that a person’s background doesn’t determine their future.