Pure Potential

About Us

Pure Potential is an independent organisation which raises the aspirations of thousands of sixth-formers every year, encouraging them to apply to and helping them to achieve offers from excellent universities and leading graduate recruiters. Our approach is efficient, holistic and realistic, centering around large scale nationwide events every summer.

Rationale

Research has shown that students from private schools are nearly twice as likely to get a place at the UK's top universities as their state-educated counterparts. Universities are some of the most diverse institutions in the country with professors, lecturers, researchers and students from all types of background. Pure Potential believe this should be reflected in the applicants. The universities themselves are working on this, but there is still much to be done and we believe that we are the people to do it. Some students and their families still don't realise that their claim to a university place is as strong as anyone else's. We aim to change this mindset and help them fulfil their potential. What frustrates us is that there is sometimes a gap between talent and aspiration, and if you are bright enough to have the choice to attend most institutions, we will support and encourage your endeavours.

Students will achieve more and fulfill their potential. Universities will benefit from a more diverse population of undergraduates, enhancing diversity and benefiting all. Businesses will also benefit from graduates from a wider range of backgrounds. Ultimately, the country will benefit both economically and creatively. We believe that student aspiration and good business go hand in hand and that is why it is right for businesses to provide a little extra investment to help nurture university applicants and thus help the country produce even better graduates.

PP: Sixth

We ran our pilot events in 2005 for over 500 students at three events around the country. The feedback was outstanding, proving that there is a huge demand for our services. We have since run events for between 4,000 and 8,000 students every year.

At our events bright students from state schools across the country attend a university presentation where they learn about the UCAS application, Personal Statements, Student Finance and Interview Skills. They also have the opportunity to attend two Career Workshops led by leading graduate employers such as Law, Accountancy, Investment Banking and Management Consultancy.

APPLY

In addition to our events we offer a huge range of free information and tools on this site, as well as a magazine which we will distribute free of charge, which tells you more about the events and various employer opportunities. If you would like a copy of our magazine, please contact Binda. If you are a teacher and think that your school would have students interested in attending our events and utilising the online tools then by all means please get in touch.

PP: Law

In March 2009, we ran our initial event for first year law undergraduates at LSE. The aim of the event was to break down many of the stereotypical views of the competitive professions such as law and to better-inform state students about the opportunities available within this sector. Over 250 students attended the event which featured information on a career in Law, how to make a successful internship application and a panel interview providing students the opportunity to ask questions to lawyers. The afternoon was spent working on a case study with lawyers from our partner law firms and the networking session at the end allowed students to talk to our various partners. We are in the process of planning a similar event for 2010 and are considering the prospects of rolling out the event in other sectors.

Our Sponsors

Firms can see the very obvious benefits of being involved with you and Pure Potential. Responsible firms are committed to positive social change and social inclusion. They are an integral part of the world in which we live and should be involved in constructive and significant projects such as this.

Firms also recognise that they are the greatest beneficiaries of universities, owing to the talented graduates they supply. Pure Potential gives firms the chance to show they care by helping students fulfil their potential before the university stage. The 4,000-8,000 students who attend the Pure Potential events are among the brightest of the 500,000 who apply to university every year. Becoming involved with talented students early allows firms to make an early, positive impression before their competitors.

To find out more about Pure Potential, please download a copy of our 5 Year Report.