Widening Participation Student Network
Widening Participation Student Network
Who we are
The WP Student Network brings together current students, both UG and PG, from a Widening Participation background to form an inclusive and peer-led community.
We aim to create a space that empowers, educates and inspires our members through information sharing, fun workshops, and sharing of lived experiences. We do this through a range of events and socials, such as quizzes, crafting and rock climbing.
We meet at least twice a term, with each event focused on a key theme, co-created with our five Network Representatives, such as wellbeing and careers opportunities.
We warmly welcome all students who self identify as from a WP background.
Who's eligible to join the Network?
You are eligible to join if you are from the UK/Home fee status and identify with at least one of the following criteria:
- You are in receipt of a Warwick Bursary or other means tested financial support
- You were eligible or ever in receipt of Free School Meals while at secondary school
- You come from a background where your household income is below £42,875
- You come from an area with low progression rates to higher education
- You are a student with disabilities - including seen and unseen disabilities, specific learning differences, mental health difficulties, autistic spectrum disorder or any other disabling condition
- You are a mature student who entered higher education over the age of 21
- You have experience in local authority care (eg. foster home, residential children's home or kinship care)
- You are are estranged from, and not supported by, both of their parents (this might be their birth, step or adoptive parents, and sometimes wider family members)
- You have caring responsibilities - this could include, physical, practical or emotional care
- Neither of your parents attended university and gained a degree (e.g. BA/BSc or equivalent) - excluding if they were/are a mature student
We also welcome students who have been granted refugee status, are under humanitarian protection or are currently seeking asylum in the UK.
Widening Participation Student and Staff Conference
Each year, the WP team hosts a conference on campus for students and staff who are interested in WP work and/or WP student experiences. As students, you are warmly welcome to present at the conference and attend on the day.
You can view past examples of the ways students have gotten involved on our conference page, and stay tuned for details on our 2026 conference!