Access and Participation Plans (APPs) are a statutory requirement for all English universities charging above the basic tuition fee. They set out how universities will improve access, success and progression for students from underrepresented groups — including those from low income backgrounds, care leavers, disabled students and students from areas with low rates of progression to higher education.
This post explains how peer mentoring through Already Doing It supports the Access and Participation agenda and why universities and schools should consider it as part of their APP activity.
Every university in England that charges fees above £6,000 per year must have an Access and Participation Plan approved by the Office for Students. These plans set targets and commitments for improving outcomes for students from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds across the full student lifecycle — from pre-application through to graduate employment.
Universities invest significant resources in outreach activity to schools and colleges as part of their APP commitments. The goal is to ensure that students from all backgrounds have the information, support and encouragement they need to make informed decisions about higher education.
Much of the outreach activity delivered by universities focuses on raising aspiration and awareness — helping students understand that university is a realistic option for them. This is valuable and necessary work.
What is less well served is the moment when a student who has already decided they want to go to university needs honest, specific information to make a good choice about where and what to study. This is the moment when access to informal networks — the older sibling, the family friend, the parents’ contacts — makes a significant difference. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds are less likely to have those networks.
Already Doing It fills this gap by giving every student access to an honest conversation with someone already studying their chosen subject at their chosen university, regardless of their background or connections.
Already Doing It sessions generate measurable data on student confidence and decision making that maps directly to Access and Participation outcome metrics. Specifically:
Already Doing It is actively exploring partnerships with universities, widening participation teams and outreach programmes. Whether through mentor recruitment from current student populations, co-delivery of outreach programmes or formal APP activity partnerships, there are multiple ways to work together.
To discuss a university partnership, contact us at hello@alreadydoingit.co.uk or visit alreadydoingit.co.uk.
One honest conversation before you commit is worth more than ten open days.
© 2026 Already Doing It Ltd. All rights reserved. The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional career or admissions advice. Student Mentor Sessions and Our Insider Guides reflect student perspectives; always verify specific course details, entry requirements, and module lists with the official University Prospectus before applying.
