Beyond Space

Why it began, what it looks like, what we aim to do...

In 2024, ThinkHigher created the project Beyond Space to bridge the gap between students in receipt of free school meals (FSM) and their representation within higher education.

This project's aim is to help young people from FSM backgrounds to make informed choices about their future education.

We recognise that pupils in receipt of free school meals are often in very supportive home environments with strong role models and high aspirations, therefore this programme aims to provide an additional layer of academic support to ensure your young person's success.

In England, 28.9% of FSM-eligible pupils at age 15 progressed to higher education by age 19 in 2023/24 compared to 49.0% of non-FSM pupils. Only 4.9% of FSM students entered high-tariff universities by age 19, compared to 14.3% of non-FSM students (Department for Education).

This Year (2025/6)

This academic year, our Beyond Space project has been delivered to Year 9s and 10s within three different schools. Over six sessions, students gained insight into university, degree apprenticeships, and soft skills including budgeting and reading.

We have delivered this project to Ash Green, Meadow Park, and Sidney Stringer over the 2025/6 academic year.

Beyond Space Trip, 12/05/26

As part of this year's Beyond Space programme, the young people were invited onto the University of Warwick's campus for a fantastic trip at the National Automotive Innovation Centre. Here, the young people got the opportunity to see Tata's latest car models and their engineering techniques, understand the inner workings of WMG, and gain an insight into what it is like to live and study at a university.

"Genuinely love these sessions - they're so worthwhile for the students" (Staff Member, Coventry School).

"...the trip was both educational and inspiring. It broadened our understanding of higher education and motivated us to consider the opportunities available to us in the future"

(Staff Member, Coventry School).

Student Testimonials

We have received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback following the completion of the Beyond Space programme this academic year. Students have reported feeling more informed about university and degree apprenticeships, more confident about their future in higher education, and have gained an increase in self-confidence to achieve their aspirations!