Partnered with the Ark Academy in Wembley, the CIE (Confronting Inequality in Education) programme provides support to Year 12 students studying STEM subjects. The initiative aims to foster a nurturing environment for scientific exploration, and to equip students with a diverse set of skills to strengthen university applications. 

The programme is now entering its fifth year running, after the 23/24 cohort had a record high of 46 year 12 students actively engaged with the programme.  

In 24/25, the programme will be expanded to offer sixteen paid research lab placement opportunities over the Summer for Year 12 students.

The programme involves: 

• 1:1 sessions: students are paired with a scientific mentor, from Mater’s students to PIs from across the College. These sessions are designed to give students exciting insight into their STEM subject of interest and to inform career aspirations. Since its inception, the scheme has involved over 120 mentor-mentee pairs, interested in biology, maths, physics, engineering, chemistry and medicine.
• Scientific posters: with expert guidance from the team of Imperial researchers, students create a scientific poster on their chosen topic, to be displayed at an in-person event.  
• Dedicated support for University applications and interviews: students receive assistance crafting compelling personal statements for UCAS applications and support in honing interview skills in a mock panel interview.