Widening access through Pathways to Property

Thursday, 13 November 2014

Pathways to Property is one of a range of University of Reading initiatives aimed at widening access to higher education in general and to the University of Reading in particular. They include an intensive Reading Scholars programme, which matches young people with current student mentors who keep in touch with them electronically and see them when they come onto campus for a variety of subject-specific activity; to a wide range of events, workshops and activities with individuals, schools and teachers aimed at enthusing young people about particular subjects and encourage them to consider higher study.

The Pathways to Property initiative was established to widen access to the real estate profession by raising awareness of real estate as a subject of study amongst academically able pupils from disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds. The initiative is led by Reading Real Estate Foundation, part of the University of Reading, and supported by British Land, The Sutton Trust and a number of other real estate firms.

A third of students attending the first Pathways to Property Summer School in 2013 received offers to study Real Estate & Planning at the University of Reading.  Of the forty students, 25% have enrolled at Reading and 40% are studying related courses at other UK universities.

This summer the scheme welcomed 95 students (aged 16 and 17) who enjoyed academic lectures, industry talks and site visits.  Of these, 33 students recently completed a week's work experience in a real estate firm and have been matched with a current Reading Real Estate Undergraduate mentor.

Pathways to Property is an important part of the Sutton Trust's mission to widen access to the most competitive and sought-after careers. It is supporting state school students to recognise the possibilities of a career in real estate - and is helping the property sector to access the brightest and best young people, regardless of background.'

James Turner, Director of Programmes, The Sutton Trust

Improving the diversity of the property industry is crucial if it is to successfully respond to the needs of all its customers. Through Pathways to Property RREF has led the way. We all need to think about what wider contribution we can continue to make to build on their good foundation.'

Chris Grigg, Chief Executive, British Land