About Us
We have created a community that could support a Black scholar for 10 years – from secondary school pupil to early career researcher.
Since our inception in 2017, Leading Routes has actively contributed to the progression of the Black experience in higher education and research.
Central to our mission is the acknowledgement that the persistent challenges within the sector are a reflection of a system that has not been set up to include everyone. Our growth has been driven by a deep understanding of the experiences of Black students and staff in higher education.
Half of all Black pupils in the UK today go on to higher education. Despite this encouraging increase only 9% enrol in high-tariff institutions. Once Black students enter university, they face a 6% gap in continuation beyond the first year of study and a nearly 20% gap in achieving first or upper second class degrees compared to their white counterparts. Troublingly, disparities persist even when students enter university with identical qualifications and grades.
After graduating, Black graduates experience challenges in accessing highly skilled employment and reporting lower career satisfaction compared to their peers. Those aspiring to pursue careers in research often encounter challenges in securing PhD funding and advancing to professorships.
At Leading Routes, we’ve not only shifted narratives surrounding higher education for Black students but also initiated dialogues with institutions to advocate for real, sustainable change. Our vision extends beyond addressing disparities; we aim to reshape ideologies and institutions to create environments where Black students and academics thrive.
As we continue to create our story, we remain committed to dismantling barriers and nurturing a community that supports Black scholars on their educational journey.
We envision a racially equitable academic sector that shapes a fairer society.
Leading Routes’ mission is to strengthen the academic pipeline for Black scholars by building a connected network, improving pathways into research, and driving sector-wide change to ensure Black experiences and research are valued.
Our Strategic Objectives
We are establishing pathways towards a sector thatvalues the experiences,
presence,and research of Black students and academics, from a Black-led perspective.
Democratise access to information to support informed decision making at all levels of study
Celebrate the achievements and research of Black students and academics
Strengthen the academic pipeline for Black students - from secondary school to academia
Build a community that makes academia and research more accessible
Inform and influence systemic change to improve the Black experience in academia