The Building Learning Power (BLP) programme is a collaborative initiative designed to equip children in care with better learning skills, raise attainment, and develop independent study skills in preparation for their SATs. Lewis Bulled, a University of Sheffield graduate who spent seven years in foster care from the age of 11, supported the BLP programme throughout his four years studying at the University.
Lewis, who graduated with a first class integrated masters degree in Maths in 2023, returned to the University to meet the new BLP cohort on campus in March . He used the opportunity to share his experiences and get them excited about the doors that maths and higher education can open.
Research shows that only around 14% of care leavers go to university, compared to around 47% of young people who didn’t grow up in care. This stark inequality is one of the reasons Lewis wants the next generation to have the same opportunities that he had.
“It’s such a low proportion of care leavers who go onto University so these sorts of initiatives are incredibly important,” said Lewis, who’s spent the last year tutoring GCSE and A-Level maths, both privately and in a local secondary school.
“Access schemes and the exposure to higher education at a young age through programmes such as BLP help children to make that initial connection through what is a positive and fun experience.
“It’s really satisfying to be in a position to give something back. It’s always lots of fun and the children who come along are very engaged and keen to learn.
“I do think there is an unspoken connection or bond with other care leavers too. It may not be something you necessarily talk about, but people who have been through the care system recognise each other.
“To any care leaver wanting to find out more about Higher Education, I would strongly encourage you to get in touch with The University of Sheffield. For example, they have a dedicated Access Service to help you navigate the process.”
Lewis will be returning to the University of Sheffield full time in the autumn to start a PhD in an area of theoretical physics called ‘quantum error correction’.
Each year, 20 Y5 and Y6 children are selected to take part in the BLP programme, which is a partnership between the University and Sheffield City Council Virtual School. As well as receiving tuition in Maths and English, the children take part in University activities and meet staff and student ambassadors to find out more about Higher Education. The activities also allow pupils to get to know each other, build confidence and resilience, engage socially, and find out more about university life.
BLP is part of a much wider Access offer at the University which is designed to help make sure everyone who has the potential to succeed has the opportunity to do so, regardless of their background. From pre-application support through to bursaries for care leavers, there are a range of opportunities available. You can find out more here.
Lucy Scheinkonig, Access Officer at the University of Sheffield, said: “Lewis is a wonderful ambassador for both the BLP programme and the University more widely, and he should be incredibly proud of what he’s achieved.
“His work on the BLP programme and other initiatives has been exceptional and we’re in no doubt that he will have inspired many others to follow a path that they may never have realised was open to them.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to Lewis and wish him the very best with his continuing study and research.”
The University of Sheffield is a member of the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL): a charity supporting professionals working to transform the progression of care experienced people, into and through further and higher education. The University recently achieved the NNECL quality mark, an accreditation for organisations able to demonstrate their support for the inclusion and success of students with care experience.