Access Sheffield Mentoring
Access Sheffield Mentoring can help guide and support you on your journey to university study.
What is mentoring?
Access Sheffield Mentoring provides you with one-on-one support if you have the academic potential to go to university and come from a background that is currently under-represented in higher education (HE).
You’ll benefit from the guidance of a university trained mentor, who may have recently experienced school themselves, and can give valuable insight on what to expect on your journey to HE.
Our mentors are carefully recruited each year to ensure you get the best possible experience. They’re all current University of Sheffield students who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and degree specialisms.
Access Sheffield Mentoring is completely free for all participants.
What can I expect?
You’ll participate in weekly sessions, either in-person (within your school and college), or virtually (via the University’s online platform, Blackboard) with your mentor. This mentor will remain the same for the period of your mentoring.
All sessions will help you develop your skills and understanding about yourself, university and your journey through school and beyond!
You’ll cover a variety of topics and skill-based sessions, which are bespoke and individually tailored to your individual needs and circumstances. Mentoring means you’ll develop confidence, help maintain good wellbeing and raise your attainment.
Sessions could cover:
- information, advice and guidance about higher education, the University of Sheffield, and Sheffield as a city
- application, personal statement and transition support
- essential skill development (problem solving, creativity, listening, speaking, leadership) as defined by the Skills Builder Framework
- finding out about the wide range of support available to you at school, college and the University
Don’t forget! Our mentors are there to support you. If there's something you really want support with, our mentors can address it within your sessions.
Who is eligible for a mentor?
You can apply for a mentor if you’re eligible for Access+ support and have made Sheffield your Firm choice on UCAS. Or, if you’re taking part in one of the following widening access programmes at the University.
- Access to Sheffield (Y9-11)
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Select schools will be offered the opportunity for their participants to receive a University of Sheffield student mentor within Year 9 and Year 10 of the programme.
Our student mentors can support you through in person mentoring, to help you explore higher education, raise attainment and develop your skills in line with the Skills Builder Framework.
- Access to Sheffield (Y12-13)
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Participants from all programmes (Medicine, Dental Professions, Law, STEM and Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences) have the opportunity to have a mentor in Y12 and Y13.
The mentoring takes place online and the sessions are appropriate to the current stage of your educational journey.
Mentoring from June to August in Y13 is only offered to participants who have made Sheffield their Firm choice on UCAS.
- Access to Sheffield Summer School and Sutton Trust Summer School
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After successful completion of the summer school, as you progress into Y13, you can apply for a mentor.
The mentoring takes place online and the sessions are appropriate to the current stage of your educational journey.
Mentoring in Y13 from June to August is offered to participants who have made Sheffield their Firm choice on UCAS.
- Realising Opportunities
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Participants in the local hub will have the chance to apply for a mentor as they progress into Y13.
The mentoring takes place online and the sessions are appropriate to the current stage of your educational journey.
Mentoring in Y13 from June to August is offered to participants who have made Sheffield their Firm choice on UCAS.
Applying
If you’re eligible you’ll be contacted directly by the Access Service when you have the opportunity to apply for a mentor.
Get in touch
If you have any mentoring specific questions, please email mentoring@sheffield.ac.uk or call 0114 222 1027.
For programme specific enquiries please email accesstosheffield@sheffield.ac.uk or call 0114 222 1027.