Scholarship helps less privileged by paying tuition fees

A £900,000 gift to Leeds University from Lord Laidlaw of Rothiemay will be used to create scholarships of up to £6,000 for some first year students.

They will be given to candidates from low-income backgrounds, who achieved A-level grades of at least ABB and a place at the University through its pioneering Access to Leeds scheme.

These scholarships will be in addition to bursaries given directly by the university, meaning these students will receive £9,000 in year one of their studies – the equivalent of their entire tuition fee in 2012/13.

In their subsequent years of study, they will continue to receive a university bursary of £3,000.

Access to Leeds works with local schools and communities to encourage young people to “aim high”. Students from underprivileged backgrounds who successfully complete its educational support programme and a special assignment during their sixth form are then given an admissions offer two A-level grades lower than the standard – for example ABB rather than AAA.

The programme has won national acclaim and has been adopted by other leading universities.

Students who are accepted on to courses through the Access to Leeds scheme match or better the performance of their classmates, according to the university

Lord Laidlaw, is a Leeds graduate. After graduating in economics, Scots-born Irvine Laidlaw studied for an MBA at Columbia University in the US before founding the Institute for International Research. He has contributed to a many good causes – mainly benefiting disadvantaged young people in Scotland and South Africa.

He said: “Access to Leeds is a wonderful scheme, giving young people an opportunity to fulfil their potential – and I am delighted to be able to offer financial support to those most needing it.”

Professor Michael Arthur, Leeds University’s vice chancellor, said: “We are tremendously grateful to Lord Laidlaw for his gift which will help so many of our students to succeed in their studies.”

Lord Laidlaw has also committed to give a further £250,000 to support Undergraduate Research and Leadership Scholarships for arts students.

Under the scheme, undergraduates join major research projects during their summer holidays, mentored by leading academics.