Pathways to Law: Years 12-13

Pathways to Law runs every year. Students take part in activities from November in year 12 to April in year 13.

The programme includes a variety of online and in-person events. This means participants get to experience our campus and interact with our staff and students but also benefit from the accessibility of online sessions. Some of the in-person activities will be held at other locations – for example, work experience placements (at employer premises) and the residential National Conference (at the University of Warwick).

Most activities are held outside of typical 6th form / college hours. 

A range of activities are included in the programme – some mandatory and some optional. We collaborate with Queen Mary University of London on some activities, as they also offer the Pathways to Law programme. (Places are limited for some activities, eg, work experience placements and the National Conference.)

 Higher education sessions

These aim to support participants with their post-18 choices. Examples include:

• guidance from our admissions team on applying to LSE and other competitive universities
• taster lectures in Law and related subjects from world-leading academics
• insights into university life from current LSE students and staff
• study skills tips from LSE Life (our centre for LSE's centre for academic, personal and professional development)
• advice on looking after your wellbeing at university and beyond.

Residential National Conference

The National Conference is a fully funded summer residential that takes place at the University of Warwick. It offers the chance to meet likeminded Pathways to Law participants from across the UK, whilst experiencing life on another university campus. The days are packed with activities designed to deepen your knowledge of the law sector, whilst developing relevant skills. Past sessions have included Q&As and networking with industry professionals, and workshops on topics such as public speaking. There are also options to take part in social activities, such as karaoke, sports, movie-watching and a barbecue.

Employability activities

These aim to support participants with future career choices and work skills. Examples include:

• job application advice from LSE’s Careers team
• a visit to the Inner Temple to learn about careers at the Bar
• a ‘mock assessment centre’ designed to provide a taster of job/apprenticeship recruitment processes
• work experience placements with leading law firms.

Mentoring

Throughout the programme, participants engage regularly with Pathways Mentors – these are current LSE students studying law-related subjects. Pathways Mentors have been specially trained and will share experiences, offer advice and act as role models. During the second half of the programme, participants will be matched with Pathways Mentors they can engage with regularly through the Sutton Trust Online Chat platform. 

The programme is free. If you’re offered a place, you’ll be able to claim back travel expenses for all in-person events. We can also reimburse lunch costs for work placements (where lunch isn’t provided by the employer). In addition, we’ll check you have the means to access online activities and can offer support where needed.  

Mandatory criteria

You may apply to LSE’s Pathways to Banking and Finance programme if you:

• attend, and have always attended, a state-funded, non-fee-paying school/college
• are studying in year 12
• live within reasonable commuting distance of LSE (up to 90 minutes).

LSE academic criteria

• You have achieved at least five GCSEs at grades 9 – 6, including English Language and Maths. A minimum of two of these qualifications should be at grades 9 – 7. (Or, if you studied in Scotland, five A or B grades at National 5 including one A.)
• You’re currently studying at least two full A-levels or IBDP Higher Levels in traditional academic subjects (see list on LSE’s admissions information webpage).

Additional criteria

If you meet the above requirements, we will look at the following criteria when we consider your application:

• you would be in the first generation of your family to attend university
• you have been in receipt of Free School Meals whilst at secondary school
• you attend a school or college with a below-average A-level or Higher point score and/or a low rate of progression to higher education
• you live in a neighbourhood with a low rate of progression to higher education and/or a high level of socio-economic deprivation
• you have been looked after or in care.

We’ll also consider the personal statement you must write in the application form.

The more additional criteria you meet, the more likely you are to secure a place. You don't need to meet all the criteria to be eligible.

There is room on the application form and teacher verification to explain any extenuating circumstances that might impact your application.

If you are (or have been) looked after or in care, you only need to meet the mandatory and LSE academic requirements.

Applications for Pathways to Law at LSE opened at midday on Tuesday 2 September 2025. The deadline is 11.59pm on Monday 20 October 2025. 

To apply, please visit the Sutton Trust programme webpage.

If you have any questions about the application process, please email, email ard.pathways@lse.ac.uk. 

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.

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.

Can I apply to this programme after the deadline?

Unfortunately, we’re unable to accept any late applications. If you want to be considered for a place please ensure you submit your application on time.

Will I be guaranteed a place at LSE for my degree if I complete this programme?

Participation in our Pathways to Law programme does not guarantee you an undergraduate place at LSE. However, if you successfully complete Pathways and apply to LSE, your application will be given additional consideration, and you may be considered for a contextual offer. You can find out more about contextual admissions on our admissions information webpage. You can also look at specific undergraduate degree webpages to check contextual entry requirements.

Can I apply to this programme if I don’t live in London?

Yes, but as stated above, you must live within reasonable commuting distance of LSE (up to 90 minutes). LSE’s campus address is as follows:

London School of Economics and Political Science
Houghton Street
London
WC2A 2AE

Are you interested in Pathways to Law but live elsewhere in the country? Visit the Sutton Trust programme webpage, scroll down to ‘Find my nearest programme’ and enter your postcode. This will show if any of your local universities offer the programme.

Can I take part in this programme if I am already a participant on another Sutton Trust programme?

You can only take part in one Sutton Trust programme. This includes the US programme, Access Apprenticeships, other Pathways programmes or UK Summer Schools.

Can I apply for this programme if I attend an independent school?

It’s a core Pathways requirement that applicants have always attended a state-funded, non-fee-paying school/college.

The only exception to this is where a students’ private school place is funded by their local authority as part of an EHCP (Education Health and Care Plan). The same goes for any private schools attended in the past. If this applies to you, before you can proceed with your application, you’ll need to notify the Sutton Trust by emailing applications@suttontrust.com. 

I don’t meet the eligibility criteria for Pathways to Law at LSE. Are there other programmes I can consider?

You can find out about other LSE Widening Participation programmes on our webpages. You may also be interested in other opportunities to experience LSE.

You can find out about other Sutton Trust programmes on their website.