The Succeed Programme

Ambition to Succeed

Applications for 2026 are now open

Apply now
Watch our video

What is the Ambition to Succeed Programme?

The Ambition to Succeed Programme provides the space and the time for you to make informed choices about your future by exploring the opportunities available through Higher Education.

The programme, aimed at young people in Kent and Medway in year 12 or the first year of a level 3 course at college, is designed to help you think about what you might want to do when you finish your current level 3 studies. Combining information, exploration and experience, the programme will give you a broad view of university and will encourage you to decide whether it is the right choice for you. 

Our aim is to help you succeed in your level 3 qualifications whatever you decide to do when leaving school or college.

Applications for 2026 are now open and will close at midnight on 15th February 2026.

What's involved?

The programme consists of four online workshops, three in-person campus visits and a residential on the University of Kent Canterbury campus.

Over a six month period, you will be introduced to different themes which take you through the key stages of deciding what your next steps should be.

Benefits of the programme

  • Take the time to consider your future options in a supportive and helpful environment.
  • Gain first-hand experience of life on a University campus.
  • Develop transferable skills for further learning or the world of work. 
  • Meet a range of different people who will help you find out more about Higher Education.
  • Receive a free library membership at the University and ample opportunities to make use of it.

Kent Ambition to Succeed Scholarship

Students who have completed* the Succeed Programme and have decided to apply to study at the University of Kent, will be eligible to apply for the Kent Ambition to Succeed Scholarship. 

The scholarship is worth between £500-£2,000 for each stage of undergraduate study at the University of Kent. 

Kent Ambition to Succeed scholarship holders will also be invited to join the Kent Ambition Scholars Programme.  As part of this programme, you will receive targeted support throughout your student journey and be encouraged to develop your employability skills by being invited to apply to different opportunities within the University,  such as becoming a Student Ambassador.  

Please Note: Information on this scholarship is subject to change and scholarships information will be updated annually. Therefore eligible participants are encouraged to review this information via the University's scholarship page in their year of entry into undergraduate study.

Find out more

How much does it cost?

The Ambition to Succeed Programme is free of charge.  This includes lunch on each of the Saturday visit days and accommodation and all meals on the residential.

Those accepted onto the programme also have their travel costs reimbursed.

Who can apply?

All interested Level 3 students can apply. Priority is given to those who meet more than one of the following criteria: 

  • Live in an area deemed to have lower than expected participation in Higher Education
  • Have achieved 5 GCSEs at grades 9-4 including Maths and English
  • You are eligible to receive Free School Meals
  • Your parent(s)/guardian(s) did not attend university
  • You are from a group which is under-represented in Higher Education. Including:
    • Living or have lived in local authority care
    • Refugees or unaccompanied asylum-seeking children
    • Disabled students
    • Young carers
    • From a gypsy, traveller, roma, showmen and boater community
    • Child of a military family.