The Sutton Trust’s Pathways to Law programme has been extended and for the first time is to begin in year 10, with participants getting four years of support.
Funding from the Legal Education Foundation and nine leading law firms has made the extension possible, with 1,800 pupils to benefit over the next four years.
Previous research from the Sutton Trust, a charity that tackles disadvantage, has found that three-quarters of top judges and 71 per cent of top QCs were privately educated – compared to seven per cent of the general population.
Pathways to Law targets academically able pupils from “non-privileged homes” and recruitment for year 10 and year 12 pupils will being in August.
The programme is delivered with 12 partner universities and the programme of support includes CV and interview support from the universities, a residential conference, e-mentoring from undergraduate law students, work experience in the sector and a trip to Inner Temple and the Royal Courts of Justice in London.
Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the Sutton Trust, said: “Our research has shown that there is still a big social mobility issue within the legal sector. Greater access to a wider pool of diverse talent will deliver real benefits for employers and employees alike. This is why Pathways to Law is so important. I’m delighted that our partnership with the Legal Education Foundation will enable us to expand the programme and support young people from a younger age and over four years.”
For details, visit www.suttontrust.com/programmes/pathways-to-law