LEAPS: eligibility, deadline and what it gives you
LEAPS (Lothians Equal Access Programme for Schools) is the widening participation partnership for state schools across south east Scotland and Forth Valley, based at the University of Edinburgh. Pupils get workshops, one-to-one advice and the optional S6 Transitions Course through their school, and eligibility is confirmed at an S6 pre-UCAS one-to-one. At Edinburgh, pupils from Group 1 and 1 Plus schools get the Plus Flag for Medicine, and St Andrews treats LEAPS pupils as widening access applicants.
- Closes
- Not published
- For
- S4 to S6 students, medicine
- Where
- Scotland
- Gives you
- Lower UCAT bar, then AAB instead of AAA at Edinburgh
What you get
Completing LEAPS gives you a lower UCAT bar and an offer of AAB instead of AAA at Edinburgh for medicine.
- Edinburgh Plus Flag for pupils at LEAPS Group 1 or 1 Plus schools: minimum entry of AAABB in S5 plus CC at Advanced Higher (or AAB at A-level), no UCAT cut-off, a 10% UCAT uplift and guaranteed progression to the next selection stage
- Edinburgh Flag for SIMD40 or Acorn 5 to 6 pupils at LEAPS Group 2 schools: 5% UCAT uplift and priority over non-WP applicants on the same grades, but the standard grades and the 1850 UCAT cut-off still apply
- St Andrews considers LEAPS pupils at its minimum entry grades (AAABB in S5 or AAB), though its medicine page names only SIMD40, care, carer, estranged and refugee applicants for this, so check with the school
- Completing the LEAPS Transitions Course counts as a Higher at B at Edinburgh and unlocks the Plus Flag for carers
Who can apply
You need to
- Attend a LEAPS partner state school in Edinburgh, the Lothians, the Borders or Forth Valley
- Attend a LEAPS partner school and have the potential for at least 3 Highers
Plus at least one of
- Low-progression school
- First in family to university
- Low household income
- Care-experienced
- Estranged from parents
- Young carer
- Deprived postcode
- Refugee or asylum seeker
What it involves
- Confirm your eligibility at the S6 pre-UCAS one-to-one with LEAPS before you submit your UCAS form
Dates
- Applications open
- School-based, no public window
- Applications close
- No public deadline; S6 eligibility checks usually close in late November
- Programme runs
- Through S4 to S6 in school, with the Transitions Course Aug to Mar in S6
- Apply to university
- UCAS deadline 15 October 2027 for 2028 entry
How to apply
Apply through the LEAPS eligibility criteria page. It is run by LEAPS partnership, hosted by the University of Edinburgh. Questions go to leaps@ed.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Does LEAPS guarantee an interview?
No. LEAPS gives a lower UCAT bar rather than a guaranteed interview. Edinburgh Plus Flag for pupils at LEAPS Group 1 or 1 Plus schools: minimum entry of AAABB in S5 plus CC at Advanced Higher (or AAB at A-level), no UCAT cut-off, a 10% UCAT uplift and guaranteed progression to the next selection stage.
Who is eligible for LEAPS?
Attend a LEAPS partner state school in Edinburgh, the Lothians, the Borders or Forth Valley. You need to attend a LEAPS partner school and have the potential for at least 3 Highers, and meet at least one of its widening participation criteria, such as low-progression school, first in family to university, low household income.
When is the LEAPS deadline?
This cycle's closing date has not been published. No public deadline; S6 eligibility checks usually close in late November. Applications school-based, no public window.
What offer do LEAPS students get?
Students who complete the programme are made an offer of AAB instead of AAA at Edinburgh. Edinburgh Flag for SIMD40 or Acorn 5 to 6 pupils at LEAPS Group 2 schools: 5% UCAT uplift and priority over non-WP applicants on the same grades, but the standard grades and the 1850 UCAT cut-off still apply
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