The Wayfinder Programme

The Wayfinder Programme, launched by LMH in 2026, is a sustained contact programme that works with a selection of high-attaining Year 10 and 11 students from schools in our link regions. Through regular activities, it aims to support students to explore their options for post-16 study and provide information and guidance about Oxford and other selective universities. 

Schools invited to take part can select up to 15 Key Stage 4 students to join the year-long programme. Students will engage with the University of Oxford through two in-person visits and an 8–week programme of online activities and information. The Wayfinder Programme is designed to support students as they make decisions about their Key Stage 5 education, complementing their GCSE preparation and breaking down potential barriers that can make selective universities seem less accessible. 

1. Initial visit: To mark the start of the programme, students and teachers visit the University of Oxford for a day of activities, including meeting with current students, learning more about the University, having lunch in a college Dining Hall, taking a tour of an Oxford college and participating in an academic taster session. Around  15 students per school can take part. 
   
   
2. Online Delivery: Students take part in six online touchpoints designed to complement their academic journey through Key Stage 4. Each session explores a different topic, from an introduction to university life to alternative options and goal-setting. Topics include: Life at University, Learning at University, Choosing Key Stage 5 Options, revising for exams, and more. 
   
   Around 5 students per school will have the opportunity to take part in eight weeks of one-to-one online mentoring with a current University of Oxford undergraduate, facilitated by the mentoring charity Brightside. Brightside have a dedicated platform and app, with robust safeguarding moderations, to allow for one-to-one video calls between mentee and mentor.
   
   Mentors will support students as they reflect on their experiences, consider their future choices and learn more about university. 
    
3. Celebration event: All students who complete the programme, along with their supporters, will be invited to a celebration event at the University of Oxford to recognise their achievements and mark the end of their Wayfinder experience.

In Spring 2026, three schools joined us to pilot the mentoring aspects of The Wayfinder Programme. Working with students and schools helped us test and refine key aspects of the programme, from school and student communication, to the online platforms and digital materials we use to deliver it.  

“It was really rewarding to work with some of our most engaged schools and ambassadors to get feedback on some of the new outreach material developed for the programme. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to develop content collaboratively with the audiences we’re hoping to engage, and it’s given us huge confidence that The Wayfinder Programme will be beneficial for everyone involved. We would like to extend our thanks to the staff and students at St Thomas More Catholic School, Cheltenham Bournside School and Gloucester Academy for their valuable contributions.” 
- Emily Jones, Outreach Programme Manager 

Reflecting on the pilot programme’s impact, one teacher noted a clear change in a student’s outlook: “He mentioned to me how much he is enjoying the mentoring. It has actually changed his mind about going to university. He did not consider it before and now he is looking forward to it.” 

One of our undergraduate mentors reflected: 

“What stood out most for me was seeing my mentee grow in her confidence in voicing opinions and engaging in academic conversation…Helping her strengthen her voice has been incredibly fulfilling.” 

While we are in the initial trial stage, The Wayfinder Programme is open by invite only to a group of schools in LMH’s link regions of Haringey, Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Bristol. 

However, if you are interested, please register your interest in participating in future years of the programme by contacting our Head of Access and Admissions Support, Eleanor Chamings-Manley on: headofaccess@lmh.ox.ac.uk.

If you are a school, Year 10-11 student or their parent/guardian who has received an invite to the programme and you have questions about it, please contact the team at: wayfinder@lmh.ox.ac.uk.