As a former Lumina Scholar, I am keen to share my journey with you, as I believe

that the Lumina programme, in collaboration with the most amazing group of

dedicated teachers from around the UK, and the Virtual Schools (the local authority

arm who are responsible for care experienced young people), has the power to

transform the lives of countless care-experienced young individuals. I worked with an

inspiring teacher and role model at Harrow School for a number of years and I can

vouch for the fact that it transformed my life.

My involvement with the Lumina programme commenced during the summer when I

was in Year 9 and continued to be a guiding light throughout my academic journey,

even when I found myself relocated across the country. During the challenging

period of the pandemic lockdown, when I was without a designated high school due

to my move, my Lumina Tutor not only helped me successfully navigate my GCSEs

but also paved the way for my enrolment at my current university.

With the help of my Lumina Tutors and my own hard work, I was on a sound footing

with my GCSE grades with my lowest grade being a 7. While the statistics are

stacked against care experienced young people, I am assured that concerted effort

and focus can help one break through the barriers that face care experienced

individuals. At the end of Year 12, I found myself struggling with chemistry, but by

the time the exams arrived, I managed to secure a B grade. My Tutors had relentless

faith in my ability. He actively encouraged me to apply to Oxbridge alongside the

Royal Veterinary College and pursue an EPQ. MY tutor helped me prepare for my

Oxbridge interviews. It was very rewarding to share news that I had secured a first at

the end of my first term assessments at RVC with him when I visited Harrow School

to meet him in person at the beginning of the year. Securing top grades for my A

level subjects positioned me to pursue my dream of studying veterinary medicine at

the Royal Veterinary College, University of London. I am very proud to mention that I

was one of only two successful veterinary medicine applicants from my former

college and one of the 13.2% of care leavers who have the privilege to attend

university.

The Lumina programme stands as a beacon of hope and opportunity for care-

experienced youngsters aspiring to excel in academics. The unwavering dedication

of the teachers involved is an enormous motivation for every student. The teachers

provide targeted support and the long term, one to one context is vital. The

consistent weekly sessions establish a structured routine for students and aim for

remarkable progress throughout the academic year. Moreover, it encourages care-

experienced young individuals to consider a more academic pathway, countering the

stereotypes that often surround our backgrounds.The programme is designed to

reorient and accelerate academic progress, providing participants with the support

they need to perform at their very best, regardless of any educational disruptions

they may have faced.

In conclusion, the Lumina programme has the potential to expand its reach and

impact, touching the lives of even more students and providing them with the support

and opportunities they deserve. It is a testament to the dedication of teachers who

care about their pupil and the resilience of care-experienced young individuals,

demonstrating that there are no bounds on a young person’s potential regardless of

background.

I hope that you will consider joining the Lumina programme where the pursuit of

excellence is a shared endeavour, and no dream is too far out of reach.

If you are able to spare just 45 minutes a week and contribute your skills to become

a part of this transformative journey that helps hundreds of care-experienced young

people fulfill their potential, I would urge you to consider joining Lumina. Your

involvement will make a profound difference in the lives of young people who

deserve all the support that they can get from adults who care about their future and

contribute to a brighter future for all.

Justyna, Current Student, Royal Veterinary College