Letter from Access & Career Development Fellow in History

Lincoln has made real progress in widening access, but there is still work to be done to ensure that the best and brightest students, regardless of their background have the opportunity to study at Lincoln.

In 2021, the College set itself an ambitious goal: to increase applications from state-school students by 4% per annum. I am pleased to say that we have not only met this target, but exceeded it. Today, the number of state-school applicants is a third higher than it was just four years ago.

This progress is thanks to the dedication of Lincoln’s staff, Fellows, and students as well as the generosity of alumni. Your support has enabled an unprecedented expansion of undergraduate bursaries. Now, one in three of our undergraduates receives a non-repayable College bursary, ensuring that talented students can thrive at Lincoln regardless of their financial background. As the cost of living continues to rise, this support has never been more vital.

Yet we know there is still more to do. The College remains deeply committed to breaking down barriers for students from the most socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. In the coming years, we will launch new initiatives designed to reach students even earlier in their academic journeys. One such initiative, the Letters Project, will connect current Lincoln students with high-achieving students from low-income families in their first year of sixth form, offering encouragement at a crucial moment when aspirations are formed. Research shows that small, personal interventions like this can have a lasting impact.

Alongside this, the College continues to host teachers’ conferences, run study days, and deliver its flagship Pathfinders access programme - now in its fourth year - as well as vital support once students arrive, from relocation grants to academic and welfare provision.

Your gift will help ensure that Lincoln continues to attract, support and inspire exceptional students, regardless of their background. Please consider supporting the next generation of Lincoln minds with a gift to #LincolnGivingDay.