YourEd+

An intensive attainment and aspiration raising programme for pupils in S5 and S6. YourEd+ aims to support pupils that have the potential to go to university to achieve your desired grades at Highers and successfully transition into university level study by increasing your confidence, academic skills and attainment.

YourEd+ programme

Phase 1: Study skills

Delivered by university tutors, these sessions will take you through a range of academic and university level skills.

These sessions are designed to prepare you for the style of learning you will encounter at university and ensure you hit the ground running when you begin university. We also hope these sessions will contribute towards your S5 and S6 studies. 

Phase 1 will cover essential study skills:

• critical thinking/reading
• notetaking
• research
• independent learning
• time management
• planning
• essay structure
• referencing

Phase 2: Subject week

The subject week will be your chance to experience university study on campus.

The subject week is delivered by university academics and gives you the chance to experience lectures and seminars at the university. The sessions have all been designed as academic taster sessions and will introduce you to the subject areas you have chosen and give you an insight into what those subjects are like. We encourage you to try something new this week.

Alongside your lectures and seminars, a range of other activities will be put on during this week, such as accommodation tours, a tour of the city, student union visits and more. 

It was a great week and I learned a lot not only about University style learning, but this week gave me a great insight to subjects I would have never thought about learning.

Phase 3: Assignment/summer project

Completing the subject week will allow you to progress onto phase 3. 

The assignment will take the form of a summer project and will take place from June to August. The assignment piece is designed to give you the chance to put your learning into practice and challenge you academically.

During this time you will have access to the University library on certain days and will be supported by the tutors and academics with your work. 

Completion of the assignment will result in a letter of recommendation from the academics that will support your application to the University of Edinburgh and a package of support from us will be waiting for you when you begin studying at the University.

Phase 4: E-Mentoring

Those who successfully complete their assignment are offered a student mentor throughout S6. Mentors can help answer any questions you may have and support your transition to university.

Our mentors are current students studying here at the University of Edinburgh (some having previously studied at YourEd partner schools). They act as role models, guiding you through your next phase of learning so that you're best prepared for Higher Education. Mentors can assist with things like exam preparation and personal statements.

Application and criteria

YourEd+ timeline

• Online study skills sessions (January - March)
• An in person subject week (During the Easter break)
• A supported academic assignment (June – August)
• Personal statement support and E-mentoring (throughout S6)

Eligibility criteria 

To be eligible for YourEd+ you must meet the following criteria: 

• have achieved 4 Bs at National 5
• currently in S5 in one of our partner schools

Our current partner schools

and at least one of the following:

• live in SIMD decile 1&2 (SIMD20) area
• are care-experienced
• are estranged from family and living without family support
• are a carer (provide unpaid care)
• are seeking asylum in the UK
• have refugee status
• have a teacher nomination because you have been impacted by challenging circumstances that have significantly impacted on your educational journey (considered on a case-by-case basis)

Because YourEd+ is a recognised bridging programme for the University of Edinburgh, we prioritise individuals who are considering making an application to the University of Edinburgh.

Information on recognised bridging programmes 

If you are unsure of whether the eligibility criteria apply to you, please email us.

Email: YourEd@ed.ac.uk

How and when to apply

We accept applications from eligible S5 pupils during November/December. The application process allows you to demonstrate your interest in taking part in the programme and for us to check your eligibility against the criteria above.

Apply to YourEd+

Hear what pupils think of YourEd+

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