Reach for Excellence at Leeds: eligibility, deadline and what it gives you
Reach for Excellence is a free two-year programme run by the University of Leeds for around 200 Year 12 students across Yorkshire and the Humber from backgrounds under-represented at research-intensive universities. It runs from an induction day in January 2027 to the end of Year 13, with subject tasters, study skills, a residential summer school and personal statement support, all on campus in the school holidays. Completers get extra contextual points when Leeds Medicine shortlists for interview.
- Closes
- 12 Nov 2026 at 11:59pm
- For
- Year 12 students, medicine
- Where
- Yorkshire and the Humber
- Gives you
- Extra points
What you get
Completing Reach for Excellence gives you a extra points for medicine at Leeds.
- Extra contextual points in Leeds Medicine's points-based interview shortlisting, the same uplift as Leeds Futures: Medicine (number of points not published)
- The same points apply for the Gateway Year to Medicine (A101); no benefit is published for Dentistry
- No guaranteed interview or reduced offer from the programme itself; the ABB Access to Leeds offer is a separate Year 13 application that uses the same criteria
- Free to join, with travel to every event reimbursed
Who can apply
You need to
- Live in Yorkshire and the Humber, within reach of Leeds for holiday events
- Be in Year 12 (there is one intake a year and Year 13s cannot join)
- Have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths and English Language, with the potential for 3 A-levels at grade B or above
- Have a teacher referee confirm your circumstances
Plus at least two of
- First in family to university
- Free school meals or low household income
- Low-progression school
- Deprived postcode
- Care-experienced
- Young carer, estranged from parents or refugee or asylum seeker
What it involves
- Attend at least 3 events in Year 12 and 5 across the two years
Dates
- Applications open
- 10 Sep 2026
- Applications close
- 12 Nov 2026 at 11:59pm
- Programme runs
- Jan 2027 to summer 2028, starting with an induction day on 30 Jan 2027 and a residential summer school
- Apply to university
- UCAS deadline 15 October 2027 for 2028 entry
How to apply
Apply through the Reach for Excellence apply 2026/27 page. It is run by Leeds Contextual Outreach Team. Questions go to reachforexcellence@leeds.ac.uk.
Frequently asked questions
Does Reach for Excellence guarantee an interview?
No. Reach for Excellence gives a extra points rather than a guaranteed interview. Extra contextual points in Leeds Medicine's points-based interview shortlisting, the same uplift as Leeds Futures: Medicine (number of points not published).
Who is eligible for Reach for Excellence?
Live in Yorkshire and the Humber, within reach of Leeds for holiday events. You need to be in Year 12 (there is one intake a year and Year 13s cannot join), have 5 GCSEs at grade 4 or above including Maths and English Language, with the potential for 3 A-levels at grade B or above, have a teacher referee confirm your circumstances, and meet at least two of its widening participation criteria, such as first in family to university, low household income, free school meals.
When is the Reach for Excellence deadline?
Applications close on 12 Nov 2026 at 11:59pm. They opened on 10 Sep 2026. The programme then runs jan 2027 to summer 2028, starting with an induction day on 30 Jan 2027 and a residential summer school.
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