L.E.A.P.S

The Lothians Equal Access Programme for Schools

"LEAPS provides support and encouragement to state school students in Edinburgh and the Lothians whose ability to fulfil their academic potential has been adversely affected by social, cultural or economic circumstances."

LEAPS(opens new window) was created with the aim of providing encouragement and advice for students who are traditionally under-represented within higher education. As well as supporting pupils who attend schools with a tradition of low progression to higher education (Group 1 Schools), LEAPS supports pupils attending schools with proven tradition of higher education progression (Group 2 schools) but who come from backgrounds that would suggest that they are less likely to proceed to university-level study. Linlithgow Academy is a Group 2 school. In Group 2 schools, LEAPS supports any S5/6 student who has the potential to achieve a minimum of 3 Highers and who matches one or more of the following eligibility criteria:

• A student who is first generation in family to apply to higher education or whose parents do not already have a degree. This includes students who parents may have briefly participated in higher education but did not achieve a degree.
• A student from a low income background (for instance, where a student is entitled to EMA, free meals in school, or where the family is on income support).
• A student who has spent time in care or being looked after.
• A student who is a young carer i.e. a child or young person aged under 18 who has a significant role in looking after someone else who is experiencing illness or disability.

 If you are not sure if you are eligible, speak to your Head of House or contact LEAPS and explain your circumstances. Their email is: leaps@ed.ac.uk

How LEAPS can help you

• Make an informed decision about whether studying for a degree or diploma is for you.
• Find courses to match interests, career aspirations and academic ability at institutions to suit you.
• Get a place on the right course at the right university for you.
• Prepare yourself to make the best of your time at university.

What LEAPS does for Prospective Students

• A personal interview - providing impartial advice on choosing and applying for courses to LEAPS eligible students.
• An enquiry service- LEAPS contact admissions staff on your behalf before you apply to find out whether they are likely to make you an offer, and if so what conditions they expect to set if you do apply.
• Workshops and information sessions providing you with opportunities to work with student volunteers to find out more about student life, university, funding and budgeting.
• LEAPS Summer School information events which include a presentation with video in schools and an evening event where parents and guardians can find out more about Summer School.

What Summer School can do for you

• Every year around 50% of LEAPS students gain access to their chosen university course on the basis of Summer School reports.
• The majority of the other 50% either meet the conditions required for university entrance or choose college courses.
• Summer School helps prepare you for university life.

Summer School is for you....

• If you attend a local authority school in Edinburgh or the Lothians and certain personal or family circumstances apply such as being first in your family to go to university, or belonging to a family affected by long term unemployment or other adverse circumstances.

AND 

• you hold an offer of a place on a degree course at any U.K. university or college.

AND 

• one or more of your offers is conditional and you are concerned you might not meet the conditions set.

If places are available, students who hold unconditional offers and would like to experience university life may be able to attend.

Summer School Information

• Classes are held at university venues within Edinburgh. They are easily accessible by bus and train and you are provided with a travel pass to ensure you reach your destination.
• There are two induction days in the first week.
• From the second to eighth week you will attend for the equivalent of three full days each week
• Each week will involve 12-15 hours of self-study.
• There are optional social events and an afternoon graduation.

It is strongly recommended that you delay your holiday plans until after Summer School and after you get your SQA exam results.

Summer School costs nothing! Provided free of charge are:

• Travel passes.
• Tuition.
• Books and equipment.
• Access to the library.
• Access to the student union
• Access to sports facilities.