Find out how a Foundation Year turned into First-Class success

If you think your grades might not quite be good enough then take a look at Foundation Year options like Jesse Gyamfi.

The 22-year-old has just graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Computer Science from The University of Leicester, having first completed a Foundation Year  when his grades fell just below the entry requirement. 

Leicester offers integrated foundation years (Year 0) for students who may not meet the direct entry requirements for an undergraduate degree or for those who just need extra time to prepare.

The course gives you the chance to have a year on campus preparing for your relevant degree, followed by progression onto the standard bachelor’s degree. 

Jesse said: “I fell a bit short of the entry grades for a degree in Computer Sciences at my first choice university, but I’d done a bit of research beforehand and I knew Leicester had a Foundation Year so when I got in touch and it was mentioned to me, I thought why not. 

“I made a lot of friends on the Foundation Year – it’s tailored to your individual degree but there are elements where all students on foundation meet up and we’re all still friends today. It definitely helped prepare me for what was to come in terms of the course but also setting me up to study and motivate myself. 

“Before I started I thought I could do the year and then maybe transfer to my first choice university but in the end I loved being in Leicester so much, it was no longer a consideration.”

Jesse, who graduated last month (July) and is now looking for a career in his chosen field, added: “I’d say to any student who is worried they’re not ready for university or who doesn’t get the right grades to consider all options. 

“The Foundation Year really worked for me and I was guided smoothly through. I never expected to walk out with a First Class degree but here I am. I’ve loved living in Leicester, meeting new people and making friends.” 

Jesse’s success story also saw him crowned Leicester’s Alumni Association 2026 Graduating Student of the Year.

Kylie Cracknell from the University’s Future Students Office said: “Jesse is a stellar student, an amazing ambassador for the university and thoroughly deserves to be Graduating Student of the Year. I’m so proud of him. 

“He’s an inspiration to all those around him and just goes to show that even if results day doesn’t go to plan, there are options here at Leicester through foundation.”  

Students in the Foundation Year study on the main campus alongside other undergraduates. The curriculum is designed to help transition into university-level academics, with modular topics tailored to your specific stream.

Leicester offers Foundation Year courses in STEM, Social Sciences, Arts & Humanities, Medicine and Biosciences, allowing automatic degree progression if you pass.

Leicester also offers an International STEM Foundation Year for students who need additional preparation for the UK education system. 

All courses available via Clearing are on the website. The website includes links to live information events, an ultimate guide to Clearing, answers to frequently asked questions, information for parents and more.

Students who have their grades can call 0116 373 6000 where staff can chat through the options or contact us on WhatsApp by clicking the link on our website.

Our Clearing hotline is open Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.00pm and Saturday 10.00am to 3.00pm and our WhatsApp team can answer your messages Monday to Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm and Saturday 9.00am to 2.30pm.

Those waiting for results, can call or use WhatsApp between 7am and 9pm on results day (Thursday 13 August). On Friday 14 August lines are open 8am to 6pm.

The University offers guaranteed University-managed accommodation if applicants apply before 1 September 2026.