We believe that every bright student should have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in higher education, no matter their financial background.

Education can change a young person’s life trajectory, but obtaining a degree on its own is not enough to ensure they reach their full potential. With the support of alumni and donors, King’s is working hard to level the educational playing field, ensuring students from all backgrounds are supported not only to get into university, but to flourish once they are here.

Thanks to this hard work we have reached a point where 77% of our students are from state schools; 47% from BAME backgrounds ; and where we have the fastest growing population of low-income students in the Russell Group . But there is still so much further to go.

Due to the current economic landscape, it is now more important than ever to support students getting into and making the most of their time at King’s; they will become the future generation of socially responsible citizens and changemakers.

As sector-leaders in the widening participation space, we offer range of pioneering programmes supporting the most in need students through their higher education journey:

• Supporting bright A-level students from disadvantaged backgrounds through the K+ Programme, ensuring they have the skills, knowledge and confidence to apply to university.

• Funding crucial scholarships and bursaries to make sure students begin their university life on a level playing field to their peers.

• Providing emergency funding via the Hardship Fund, accessible to any student who finds themselves, through no fault of their own, struggling financially at university - including those affected by war.

• Ensuring students have access to opportunities that will build their skills beyond university, including the award-winning King’s Civic Leadership Academy, offering paid work placements and mentoring with partner charities and organisations.

• Offering a range of bursaries and scholarships which support students financially during their time at King’s, such as the Key to King’s bursary.

Your gift today could help students like Julia, who was able to support herself during lockdown in London:

‘My parents can’t afford to support me in London, so I earn money by working at a restaurant alongside my degree. But when COVID hit my pay was decreased by 50 per cent. This meant that it was only enough for my rent, not for my bills or food or living expenses. I realised that it was almost impossible for me to live on my own savings for more than a month.

When I found out I had been awarded £1,400 in emergency funding, it was like a weight had been taken off me. I was extremely ecstatic and immediately grateful. Having had to worry so much about my financial situation, I was finally able to focus on my upcoming exams and my education again. Receiving the funding was such an improvement to my life.’

Please note, all donations are gratefully received and will be used where they are needed most across the University.