Schools, colleges and community
Pathways to Banking and Finance
“Taking part in the Sutton Trust Pathways to Banking and Finance programme gave me valuable insight into the finance industry and helped shape my career aspirations. Through the programme, I gained experience with organisations including the Bank of England and Rolls-Royce, developing my teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through real-world projects. The opportunities I gained inspired me to pursue a future in the banking and finance industry.”
Anya, Pathways to Banking and Finance, 2023 – 2024 University of Leicester Accounting and Finance Student 2025 - present
If you are:
- In Year 12
- Thinking about a career in banking or the finance sector
- Live within a one-hour commute to the University of Leicester by public transport
You could be just like Anya and be a part of the Pathways to Banking and Finance programme at the University of Leicester.
Starting in Year 12 and ending in Year 13, this 11-month programme will give you the opportunity to explore university study by engaging in a series of lectures, seminars and insight days hosted at the University of Leicester. You can also apply to attend a National Conference (summer residential) at the University of Warwick, as well as interact with industry professionals through events and work placement opportunities.
This fantastic programme is run in collaboration with the Sutton Trust and supported by Deutsche Bank.
What does the programme offer
The programme will give you an insight into various business-related university courses such as Accounting and Finance, Economics, Business Management, Financial Economics and Banking, Marketing and Human Resource Management.
Students who complete the programme and apply to the University of Leicester will receive an offer up to two grades below the standard offer for that course (to a minimum of BCC for those studying three A-levels)*, and a £1,000 University of Leicester bursary for each year of your course (up to 4 years) on successful registration*.
Students may also receive a lower offer and additional scholarships from other universities in the partnership.
The programme is completely free with all public transport travel costs reimbursed.
*You must meet all minimum course requirements for the course you are applying for including GCSEs and level 3 subject requirements. Courses excluded from the grade reduction and bursary include; Medicine with a Foundation Year (A199), Clinical Sciences (B990), LLB Law Graduate Entry (M102), LLB Law JD Pathway (M103) and LLB Maîtrise (M120).
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for this Sutton Trust Pathways programme hosted by University of Leicester, you must:
- Attend a state-funded, non-fee-paying school/college.
- Be in Year 12 and study in England.
Additional criteria considered includes academic achievements, being the first in your family to attend university, receiving free school meals, attending a school with below-average progression to higher education, living in a deprived area, or having been in care.
The more criteria you meet, the more likely you are to secure a place. You don’t need to meet all the criteria to be eligible.
If you are (or have been) looked after, accommodated or in care, you only need to meet the age, school and academic requirements.
Key Dates
To successfully complete Pathways to Banking and Finance and be eligible for the benefits of the programme, you need to attend as many events as possible. The programme launch will take place on Saturday 14th November. This date will not be changed, so please make sure you are able to attend if you are accepted onto the programme. All other dates will be shared at the programme launch.
How to apply
Applications will open on Wednesday 2nd September 2026.
Applications close on Monday 26th October 2026.