Blog
Welcome to our blog – your go-to space for state school news, views, advice and tips. Here you’ll find the latest updates from our team, thought-provoking entries from members, and practical guidance you can put into action.
Student hardship funds explained
A student hardship fund is a financial support programme designed to help students facing financial difficulties. Unlike maintenance loans from Student Finance, hardship funds are usually administered by universities or colleges, and they don’t normally need to be repaid.
Intergenerational mobility explained
Intergenerational mobility is the extent to which children's economic and social outcomes are related to those of their parents, or the generations before them.
First-generation student: challenges and opportunities
First-generation students are university students whose parents or legal guardians did not attend university or complete a degree. You can still be a first-generation student if your siblings or other relatives have graduated from university, though.
How to prepare for a graduate assessment centre
Assessment centres are a key part of graduate recruitment in the UK. But they aren’t easy. So, let’s debunk what an assessment centre is, what it involves, and how you can put your best foot forward when it comes to landing your dream role.
How to deal with academic imposter syndrome as a student
University is the perfect breeding ground for imposter syndrome. It’s no wonder so many students, and particularly state-educated ones, feel burdened by imposter syndrome. In this guide, we’ll explore what that feeling is, and the practical steps you can take to combat it today.
The unfiltered view: starting out in law with Andrew Lecky
We spoke to Andrew Lecky, an M&A and Private Equity Associate at Sidley Austin, about his journey from state school to top-tier law. He shares insights into breaking into corporate law and navigating the profession from a non-traditional background.
Linklaters and Norton Rose Fulbright join 93% Professionals
Global law firms Linklaters and Norton Rose Fulbright have joined 93% Professionals as corporate members, reinforcing their commitment to supporting employees from state-educated backgrounds.
How to gain work experience while studying
Work during studies isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s often a necessity. Discover how to gain work experience while studying in this guide.
How to build and communicate commercial awareness
In this guide, we’ll explore how to develop and communicate commercial awareness in your applications.
Event networking tips and templates for students in 2025
Discover practical event networking tips for students in 2025, plus templates and prompts to build your confidence along the way.
A student’s guide to LinkedIn in 2025
Discover the best LinkedIn tips and best practices for students looking to build a network in 2025.
Your guide to graduate schemes in 2025
Confused about graduate schemes? In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know, from what they are to how you can secure one.