Unlocking potential: The Foundation Year's decade of diversity success

Warwick Business School will mark the 10th anniversary of its transformative Foundation Year programme with a celebratory event at its London base in The Shard tonight.

The Foundation Year, designed to provide a pathway for students from under-recognised backgrounds into higher education, has become a cornerstone of the School’s commitment to diversity and widening participation.

WBS is the only Russell Group business school that sees all Foundation Year students gain a 100 per cent scholarship to cover the £5,760 fee and offer guaranteed progression to one of the School’s top Undergraduate programmes for those who pass.

Students who don’t attain the standard A Level requirements can qualify for the Foundation Year by meeting at least one of the widening participation criteria, such as receiving free school meals or living in an area with a high level of deprivation.

Over the past 10 years, the programme has enrolled 232 students, with a significant impact on the School's diversity. Around 40 per cent of Foundation Year students are from the most disadvantaged areas of the UK, compared to just nine per cent of direct entry Undergraduates at WBS. Indeed, when adding the Foundation Year students this jumps to 12 per cent.

"The Foundation Year is more than just an access programme; it's a catalyst for change for students and the School," said Tina Kiefer, Professor of Organisational Behaviour and Assistant Dean for Widening Participation at WBS.

"It empowers students who might otherwise miss out on higher education at an institution like Warwick, providing them with the tools and support they need to thrive. We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our students and the impact this programme has had on our community."

The success of the programme is underpinned by substantial philanthropic support, with more than £1.5 million donated to fund student bursaries and scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede students’ access.

Tamara Friedrich, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation and Course Director for the Foundation Year, said: “The Foundation Year has been transformative for so many students. That is due in, no small part, to their dedication to making the most of the opportunity they are given in the Foundation Year.

“It is also the result of an immense, collaborative effort from faculty and staff across the School who support these students – from administrative staff to module leaders and personal tutors. We all work as a team and students are at the heart of that team.”

Despite entering the course with marks on average 44 per cent lower than their Undergraduate peers, 63 per cent of Foundation Year students graduate with a 2:1 or higher, demonstrating the programme's effectiveness in closing the attainment gap.

Jake Howard, who was part of the first cohort 10 years ago and is now a RICS Chartered Surveyor and an Associate Development Director at Tritax Big Box, a FTSE 250 company, said: “The Foundation Year is a chance to build a solid academic base and gain the confidence needed for further studies. It was crucial in preparing me for degree-level study.

“After graduation, I chose to specialise in property and joined the Deloitte Real Estate graduate programme in London. The reputation of Warwick played a significant role in my application, as students with real estate-related degrees often secure these positions.

“However, the skills I developed during the BSc Management course set me apart, allowing me to approach problems from a unique perspective and present solutions in an innovative way.”

Foundation Year students and alumni to tell their stories

The event at WBS London at The Shard, which will be opened by Dean Andy Lockett, will provide a platform for Foundation Year students to tell their stories, discuss the transformative impact of the programme and for the invited guests to learn from their experiences and network.

Vanessa Vallely OBE, founder of WeAreTheCity, a network of more than 80,000 members and 100 companies that empowers women in the workplace, will give a keynote speech highlighting her own journey from humble beginnings to a 25-year career in banking and finance and now a trailblazer for gender equality.

The event will host a panel with donors and business supporters of the Foundation Year, hosted by students, hoping to inspire future generations of donors and supporters to come on board.

Current Foundation Year students will also join a workshop in the afternoon with industry professionals, such as Lloyds Banking Group, IBM, and car electronics supplier Visteon, to help deliver solutions to real-life business questions.

Professor Kiefer added: “As the Foundation Year enters its second decade, it continues to pave the way for future generations of business leaders, demonstrating that with hard work and an open mind, anything is possible for our students.

“As a school we have had to learn how to support our students and help them navigate many challenges.”

Further reading:

Change Maker: Taiyla Jules on how the Foundation Year built her confidence

Removing career barriers for working-class women

How donors are inspired by the transformative power of the Foundation Year

Breaking barriers: The story of Ibrahim Malik and the WBS Foundation Year

Find out about more of our Change Makers at Warwick Business School.