Aimhigher London

What Aimhigher London does

Aimhigher London Ltd is a UK non-profit private limited company (Company number 07859881) operating a widening-participation collaborative network that connects Higher Education Institutions, schools, colleges, and Virtual Schools across London to support young people from underrepresented backgrounds into higher education. Founded circa 2004 and headquartered at Kingston University's Kingston Hill Campus, the organisation runs a sustained, multi-year programme portfolio including the flagship Finding Futures / Learner Progression Programme (Key Stages 3-5), the Cutting Through the Noise Year 12 modules, and specialist working groups serving SEND/neurodiverse learners (Disability Working Group) and care-experienced learners (Care-Experienced Working Group). Its core "products" are programme curricula and convening infrastructure rather than technology: the UNIFISH SEND support guide (delivered via unifish.org.uk and integrated with UCAS), the Inclusive Practice Framework, parent/carer webinars, student ambassador stories, and an annual Practitioner Awards ceremony with nine categories.

Underlying technology is light-touch operational tooling — a WordPress-style website, Eventbrite, email, social channels (Instagram, X, YouTube, LinkedIn), and the UNIFISH portal — with no proprietary software platform. The business model is a hybrid of (i) recurring membership subscriptions paid by HEIs, member schools and Virtual Schools, (ii) programme funding channelled through the government-backed London Uni Connect partnership, and (iii) in-kind contributions from partner universities (campus facilities, staff time, student ambassadors). Pricing is not publicly disclosed; membership enquiries route through a Kingston University email address. A core team of approximately seven staff — Director Suzanne Marchment, Project Lead Mark Ellis, Schools Manager Justine Marcham, Head of Programmes Justine Wright, Finance & HR Manager Berta Dominguez de la Torre, and Events Partnership Manager Esther Oduor — delivers the portfolio, supported by a Steering Group (chaired by Michael Hill from January 2024) and an extended practitioner/ambassador network.

Name

Aimhigher London

Legal name

Aimhigher London Ltd

Website

https://aimhigherlondon.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2007

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Aimhigher London is a UK non-profit widening-participation network connecting London universities, schools, colleges and Virtual Schools to deliver sustained outreach programmes — including Finding Futures, UNIFISH and specialist working groups — that help underrepresented young people progress into higher education.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Widening Participation Outreach Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Services (611)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Virtual Tutoring & Academic Intervention (K–12) (EDAJADAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Special Education (SPED), IEP & Accessibility/Assistive Technology (EDAJAMAH), Parent & Caregiver Training for IEP Navigation (EDAKACAJ)

Keywords

• Widening participation
• Higher education outreach
• Learner progression programmes
• University access networks
• Social mobility initiatives

Headquarters

HQ city

Kingston upon Thames

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Aimhigher London generates revenue through membership fees charged to Higher Education Institutions, schools, colleges, and Virtual Schools. Members gain access to the Finding Futures programme, collaborative network events, working groups, practitioner awards, impact reports, and UniConnect programme participation.
2. UniConnect Programme Funding: The organisation receives funding through the London Uni Connect programme, a government-funded initiative focused on narrowing gaps in access and participation in higher education, particularly in areas with low progression rates. This funding supports programme delivery to target schools and learners.
3. Partnership Contributions: Member institutions (universities, schools, colleges) contribute to the network, including in-kind support through staff time, campus facilities, student ambassadors, and co-delivery of events and programmes.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Aimhigher London operates a membership-based collaborative network connecting Higher Education Institutions, schools, colleges, and Virtual Schools to deliver sustained, progressive outreach programmes that support young people from underrepresented groups in progressing into and through higher education. The core offering includes the Finding Futures road map programme, the Learner Progression Programme, specialist working groups for learners with SEND and care-experienced learners, conferences, practitioner professional development, and resources such as the UNIFISH guide. Services are sold on a membership basis to institutions, while individual learners access programmes free of charge.

Product overview

Aimhigher London is a widening participation organisation offering a suite of interconnected programmes and services focused on equitable access to higher education. The core offerings include the Finding Futures Programme (a sustained road map through Key Stages 3-5), the Learner Progression Programme (their flagship sustained progressive intervention), and Uni Connect partnership. Supporting these are specialised working groups for Disability (DWG) and Care-Experienced learners, Parent and Carer Webinars, and the annual Practitioner Awards. The portfolio also includes educational resources such as UNIFISH (SEND support guide), Practitioner Guides, and the Inclusive Practice Framework. The Cutting Through the Noise module provides targeted Year 12 interventions. Membership tiers serve Higher Education Institutions, Schools, and Virtual Schools.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Finding Futures: A 'road map' programme for learners from underrepresented groups in Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 to discover, explore and navigate their journey into and through higher education.
• Cutting Through the Noise
• London Uni Connect

Products and services

• Finding Futures Programme Sustained and progressive road map programme for learners from Key Stages 3-5, delivered in-school, on-campus, and online to help underrepresented learners discover, explore, and navigate their journey into and through higher education.
• Learner Progression Programme Flagship sustained and progressive programme supporting young people through all key stages, building self-awareness, confidence, and resilience to transition to and succeed in higher education.
• Uni Connect Programme Government-funded collaborative partnership with schools, colleges, and universities that supports learners to make informed choices and narrows gaps in access and participation in higher education, delivered through strategic and targeted outreach, signposting, and attainment-raising strands.
• Membership Programme Tiered membership offering for Higher Education Institutions, Member Schools, and Virtual Schools, providing access to programmes, collaborative opportunities, impact evidence, working groups, and networking.
• Cutting Through the Noise In-school set of six short interactive modules (15 minutes each) for Year 12 students addressing gaps in knowledge about post-16 options, university research, the admissions process, and application steps.
• Practitioner Guides Professional guides and resources for practitioners supporting learners with experience in care, developed to share best practice around transition to higher education.
• Student Ambassador Programme Programme in which alumni and current learners become Student Ambassadors, supporting the next generation of students to discover, explore, and navigate university by sharing stories and advice based on their own lived experiences.
• Get Ready for Success Conference Annual conference for learners, parents, carers, and teachers on support available for learners with disabilities, neurodivergence, and mental health conditions before going to university, including disclosure advice, Disabled Student Allowance information, assistive technology exploration, and campus tours.
• New Starts, Strong Futures Conference Annual CPD event for practitioners and carers of young people with experience of care, exploring how inclusive, joined-up FE-to-HE pathways can support care-experienced learners to re-engage, build aspiration, and progress into higher education.
• Parent and Carer Webinars Regular webinars providing impartial information, advice, and guidance for parents and carers on university progression, including student finance, accommodation, choosing a course, and student life.

Quantifiable outcome

• Approximately 5,000 young people have been positively impacted by the Learner Progression Programme, supporting them to aspire to and progress into higher education.
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Refugee Education UKminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 May 2023Partnered with Aimhigher London, Kingston College, and Kingston University to host the first Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) Information Day on 11 May 2023, providing progression opportunities for young people seeking asylum to access higher education.
• Student Action for RefugeesminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 May 2023Co-hosted the UASC Information Day with Aimhigher London, Kingston College, Kingston University, and Refugee Education UK to support unaccompanied asylum seeking children in accessing information about higher education progression.
• Kingston UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKingston University hosts Aimhigher London's operations, providing the organisational home at Kingston Hill Campus. This is the most deeply integrated institutional relationship, as Aimhigher London operates out of Kingston University and uses the university as a base for campus-based events and activities.
• University of RoehamptoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA key university partner awarded University of the Year at the 2026 Practitioner Awards. Roehampton leads collaborative outreach events, hosts campus visits, delivers webinars, partners with the Become charity for care-experienced young people, and contributes student ambassadors. Its Student Recruitment Coordinator (Caitlin Atha) won the Going the Extra Mile award.
• St Mary's University, TwickenhamcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA major university partner awarded Institution of the Year and Innovation award. St Mary's hosts the annual Get Ready for Success conference, developed a Shakespeare workshop and innovative holiday projects, contributes student ambassadors, and is home to multiple award winners (Mandip Birk, Nancy Bentley). The university's Widening Participation team is a key collaborator in the network.
• Goldsmiths, University of LondoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGoldsmiths won the Removing Barriers, Forging Paths CPD conference hosting in 2025 (with CEO TASO and Steven Timms MP as keynote speakers). Megan Andersson-Bastable (Access and Participation Manager) won the Equity of Access award. Hosted the Smoothing the Path 2024 conference. Active contributor to the Disability Working Group and Inclusive Practice Framework.
• London Uni ConnectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAimhigher London is a key partner in London Uni Connect — a partnership of three widening participation networks working collaboratively with schools, colleges and universities across London. The programme delivers strategic outreach, targeted outreach (Finding Futures), signposting, and attainment raising activities in areas with low university progression rates.
• Disability Working Group (DWG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA specialist working group within the Aimhigher London network comprising school, college, university and sector specialists focused on raising awareness of support available for learners with SEND and neurodiverse needs. Co-produces activities, resources, conferences (Get Ready for Success), and the Inclusive Practice Framework.
• UNIFISHcoreTechnology or IntegrationUNIFISH (unifish.org.uk) is a one-stop guide to higher education support services across London institutions for learners with SEND and neurodiverse needs. Developed by the Disability Working Group and Aimhigher London, and also promoted through the UCAS website. The site is a key resource product for the target audience.
• IntoUniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIntoUniversity is a charity whose mission is to support young people and raise aspirations to break cycles of disadvantage. Caitlin Atha joined after the IntoUniversity graduate scheme. Aimhigher London collaborates with IntoUniversity hosting joint events at university campuses.
• Quest Academy, CroydoncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQuest Academy won Ethos and Values award and is highlighted as a partner school that models best practice, engaging every key stage inclusively (including those with learning differences). It is the former school of Frankie Cummings (Ambassador of the Year). Consistently participates in Aimhigher London campus visits and in-school events.
• Ricards Lodge High SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAwarded School of the Year 2026 for ensuring every key stage accesses Aimhigher London opportunities, from multi-institution taster days on campus to in-school engagement with academics and ambassadors. Cited as consistently modelling best practice and high ambition for all students.
• Carshalton Boys Sports CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA long-standing partner school awarded School of the Year in 2023. Home to alumni Kieron Roper and Lorna Ellis (winner of the Inspiring award 2023). Has a strong track record of engagement with the Learner Progression Programme.
• Merton Virtual SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA Virtual School partner supporting care-experienced learners. Tracey Lewis (Advisory Teacher and Lead for Post 16) won Champion Over Time award 2026 for outstanding support and leadership of the Care Experienced Working Group.
• Become CharityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBecome (a charity supporting children in care) partnered with University of Roehampton and Aimhigher London to deliver an introduction day for care-experienced young people.
• NNECL (National Network for the Education of Care Leavers)minorOthersAimhigher London engages with NNECL (National Network for the Education of Care Leavers) as part of its national and regional network engagement for the Care Experienced Working Group.
• Kingston CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKingston College partnered with Aimhigher London to host the UASC Information Day (May 2023) and was the host venue for the 2024 conference 'By luck or by design?' on SEND transition. It is a local further education institution collaborating on progression pathways.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves4 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Emerging players

• Zero Gravity: UK-based digital platform connecting state-school students to top universities through application and admissions support. Operates a more technology-led, narrower admissions-support model rather than the full sustained outreach network model of Aimhigher London.
• Generating Genius: UK charity supporting high-potential students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access top universities, with strong STEM focus. Operates at smaller scale than Aimhigher London and is more selective, but competes for the same pool of school partnerships and university donor funding.

Direct peers

• The Brilliant Club: Charity placing PhD researchers in non-selective schools to deliver university-style tutorials aimed at widening participation for less-advantaged students. Targets the same disadvantaged K-12 to HE pathway and competes for school partnerships and university Access and Participation Plan funding.
• IntoUniversity: UK charity with nearly identical mission — supporting young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to access higher education through in-school, on-campus and online programmes. Operates a network of education centres and is a direct competitor for the same schools, universities, and learner segments in London.
• Realising Opportunities: Consortium of leading UK universities delivering a sustained widening participation programme for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Targets the same learner population and competes with Aimhigher London for university partnerships and school relationships, particularly in London.
• Future Frontiers: UK charity providing sustained, one-to-one coaching for disadvantaged secondary school students to progress into top universities. Closely analogous operating model — sustained coaching, employer/HE partnerships, focus on progression data — and competes for the same school and university relationships.

Others

• Into Film: UK-wide educational charity integrating film into the curriculum to enrich learning for disadvantaged young people. Related only at the level of education-outreach charities serving UK state schools; does not directly compete for HE widening participation partnerships.
• Office for Students (OfS): Regulator that funds UniConnect and mandates Access and Participation Plans. Not a peer but the principal funder and policy sponsor; their funding decisions directly shape Aimhigher London's opportunity and operating environment.

Broad incumbents

• National Education Opportunities Network (NEON): UK-wide professional network for widening participation and access practitioners, including Aimhigher London staff. Less of a direct service provider and more of a sector body, but the closest peer organisation in terms of convening universities around fair access.
• Sutton Trust Pathways Programme: National charity running multiple Pathways programmes (Law, Medicine, STEM, Arts) and research to improve social mobility through education. Operates at a larger national scale and overlaps with Aimhigher London's target audience but is less locally embedded in London.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/AimHigherLSouth
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC9p1WSR9pgYArSLMzmiyjBw
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/aimhigher-london-ltd

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Aimhigher London