Beyond Space
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. By equipping young people with knowledge about their higher education options, Beyond Space increases their sense of belonging within higher education sectors.
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.
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.
"...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...
"I have learnt how valued degree apprenticeships are and how they are just as important as uni" (Student, Coventry School)
"University is Achievable" (Student, Coventry School)
"Reading is a life skill it relaxes your mind and helps you with imagination" (Student, Coventry School).
"It made me learn more about life skills like budgeting" (Student, Coventry School).
"Even if my dream uni seems hard, I can get there and will" (Student, Coventry School).
"Trying is what helps to get you to the destination" (Student, Coventry School).
"I have learnt how to do an interview and what employers look for" (Student, Coventry School).
"I've developed the confidence to be a lawyer" (Student, Coventry School).
"Genuinely love these sessions - they're so worthwhile for the students" (Staff Member, Coventry School).