BRADFORD Council played host to a social mobility event for some of the district’s brightest 16 and 17-year-olds from non-privileged backgrounds.

Run by the Social Mobility Foundation and supported by Bradford Council’s Education Partnerships Team, the event at City Hall was attended by 28 A Level and BTEC students.

The teenagers have all been accepted onto the charity’s Aspiring Professionals Programme which helps high-achieving students from low income backgrounds progress to top universities and professions.

The foundation will support the ambitious young Bradfordians by setting them up with mentors, internships at leading firms and organisations and providing professional development and career support.

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The students, who dream of studying at Russell Group universities and working in fields such as medicine, law, science and engineering, will be supported by the charity while at sixth form, throughout university and beyond.

Councillor Imran Khan, portfolio holder for education, employment and skills, said: “It is great to welcome the foundation back again this year to work with another group of impressive youngsters from diverse backgrounds and help them achieve their dreams.

“The foundation works to try and level the playing field for youngsters from low income backgrounds by giving them experiences, networks and opportunities that are often readily available to wealthier, more privileged households. That is a mission we applaud.

“Improving educational achievement is a top priority for the council. We want all our young people to have high aspirations and to realise their potential. It is key to creating the economy and society Bradford aims to be.

“I wish this latest Bradford cohort of the Social Mobility Foundation the greatest of luck and look forward to hearing about their achievements.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the Social Mobility Foundation and how they can support young people on the Aspiring Professionals Programme, are urged to contact the foundation. The foundation is keen to hear from people who work in medicine or in the sciences as almost half the young people on the programme in the Bradford area are interested in the medical sector.

For more information, please contact Sarah Crossan sarah.crossan@socialmobility.org.uk