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Pathways to Banking and Finance: Years 12-13

Pathways to Banking and Finance is a financial access scheme which takes place across two years and supports Year 12 and 13 students who are interested in studying finance or a career in the financial sector.

Students join the scheme at the start of Year 12 and throughout the scheme they will be invited to attend a regular, engaging programme of activities including lectures, seminars, an insight day and university guidance sessions. Students will also have the opportunity to apply for an undergraduate mentor, a residential conference in the summer and for an insight programme at a financial firm.

The Pathways to Banking and Finance scheme is run collaboratively with the Sutton Trust and is supported by Deutsche Bank.


When and where does the scheme run?

The scheme runs annually. Students take part in activities from the December of Year 12 through to March in Year 13.

The Pathways to Banking and Finance programme will be delivered using a hybrid model in 2023/24. Therefore, this will consist of a variety of both online sessions and in-person events, throughout the course of the programme. This ensures that students benefit from being able to visit our campus and have opportunities to interact with LSE staff and students, whilst maintaining the accessibility that online events provide. Some of the activities will also be held off campus. For example, work experience opportunities and the residential National Conference at the University of Warwick.

If you are offered a place on this programme, you will be offered travel reimbursements for any in-person events. We will also survey you on your tech capabilities so we can work with you to ensure you are able to access the online content as well.

What activities are included?

Finance taster sessions and university support

These are a combination of academic and university support activities. Delivered by LSE’s leading academics and professionals in the field, the sessions cover different areas of finance and related fields. Students also receive support from our professional services team, including workshops on CV writing from LSE Careers and Critical Thinking sessions from LSE Life. 

Residential conference

Pathways to Banking and Finance students from LSE, the University of Liverpool and the University of Warwick have the opportunity to come together to attend a summer residential conference at the University of Warwick. The conference provides students with an experience of university life, allowing them to meet other students and take part in in-depth finance related sessions.

If the conference is unable to happen in person at the University of Warwick, a virtual alternative will be provided. 

Work experience

Pathways students will be able to apply for an insight programme at one of London’s leading financial service providers during Year 12 or Year 13. Insight Programmes normally take place during school holidays, and last year students undertook them at Deutsche Bank, NatWest, Glenmont Partners and Canyon Capital Advisors.

If insight programmes are unable to happen in person, a virtual alternative will be provided. 

Mentoring

All students on Pathways to Banking and Finance are offered an undergraduate mentor studying a Finance related degree.

Are there any costs involved?

There is no cost to attend and travel reimbursements are available to cover the costs to and from sessions.

Who is eligible?

The LSE Pathways to Banking and Finance scheme is available to selected Year 12 students in London who are interested in following a career in the financial sector.

Please see our core eligibility critieria on the Pathways to Banking and Finance website (external).

How can I find out more and apply?

Applications for Pathways to Banking and Finance at LSE will open on 4 September 2023 and close at 9AM on 30 October 2023. Applications can be submitted through the Sutton Trust website.

Click here to register your interest. Please visit the Sutton Trust website or email ard.pathways@lse.ac.uk for more information.

What training do LSE staff receive?

All staff and students involved in the sessions receive appropriate training before the event. Staff or students working directly and regularly with young people receive specific training on working with children, in line with our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. They also undergo an appropriate level Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Cancellation Policy

Please note that as a result of circumstances or events outside of our control (known as a Force Majeure event), which includes but is not limited to industrial action, official government advice, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises, we may need to cancel an event at short notice.

In the event of a cancellation, a change of venue or date, we will endeavour to notify attendees wherever possible through the contact details given at the time of booking. For the avoidance of doubt, the School will not be liable for any costs you may incur as a result of any cancellation, change of venue or date.