Inclusion Appeal
Help to create bright futures for marginalised students.
Right now, so many young people are struggling. The cost-of-living crisis continues, social divides are widening, and the future feels uncertain. Students from Global Ethnic Majority communities, low-income backgrounds, those who are disabled, care-leavers, or estranged from their families are most affected. The reality is:
- Students from the least advantaged backgrounds are 2.2 times less likely to enter university than those from the most advantaged (Social Mobility Commission)
- Students from the least advantaged backgrounds are 16 percentage points less likely to graduate with a good honours than their most advantaged peers (HESA)
Every year, thousands of talented young people are being excluded from university, not because of ability, but because of systemic barriers.
That's why we've launched our Inclusion Appeal
Goldsmiths’ dedicated inclusion programmes are a direct response. They build warm, welcoming communities where young people feel seen, supported and able to build confidence. They open pathways into university study and offer the practical help each student needs to find success during their academic journey.
Your donation to the Inclusion Appeal will provide young people with:
- Mentorship to build skills, confidence and networks
- Wellbeing support to navigate personal challenges
- Financial help to keep learning
Thank you for supporting bright futures for talented young people at Goldsmiths and beyond.
Inclusion in action
Goldsmiths Alchemy
Alchemy is Goldsmiths' Saturday music programme aimed at 13 to 21-year-olds. It gives local young people the chance to sing, play instruments, compose, record, produce and perform. It is an opportunity to meet new people, work with industry professionals and unlock talent. Many participants progress to become programme leaders through the Alchemy Masters course or study on our degree programmes.
Omar, Goldsmiths student and Alchemy Master
Before Alchemy, I used to be a frustrated, sort of misunderstood individual, mainly because I couldn't express myself in the best ways possible. Then, through Alchemy, I discovered a way to be authentic, to process struggles, rise above challenges and inspire others. Now, it is my ambition to impact and shape other lives through creativity, understanding and support.
Omar, BA Social Science, Community Development and Youth Work
Art Summer School
Goldsmiths' Art Summer School is a 10-day course for students aged 16-18. It provides young people with the rare opportunity to step into university life, explore creativity and imagine a future in the arts. Young people can immerse themselves in hands-on creative workshops, from painting and sculpture to digital media. They also visit galleries, artist studios and receive one-to-one mentoring.
The programme prioritises under-represented students. For many, it’s the first time they’ve been in a university arts setting or even imagined that they could belong there.
Chantel studied BA Fine Art at Goldsmiths after joining us for a Summer Art School.
I saw that studying art at university would be open, conceptual, and expansive. Then, visiting a graduate’s studio made an art career feel doable for the first time. I grew in confidence and felt clear of my next steps. Since then, I have been a student of BA Fine Art, a mentor, a Junior Fellow, and now a professional artist. Art Summer School means so much to young people finding their futures.
Chantel, BA Fine Art 2024
Equity Awards
The Equity Awards are Goldsmiths’ programme of mentoring, pastoral and financial support designed to level the playing field for Global Ethnic Majority students from low-income backgrounds. So far, the Awards have benefitted over 100 students but many more need our support.
Zara, BA Psychosocial Studies student and Equity Scholar.
My Award helped with travel costs and buying university essentials. I reduced my part-time work hours and had more time to study and enjoy activities with friends. Receiving the Equity Award was the extra boost I needed, it made me feel like I had other people on my side, supporting my future. I am now so proud to say I am a graduate.
Zara, BA Psychosocial Studies, 2024
How your donation will help
Talented young people, regardless of background, deserve the opportunity to succeed at Goldsmiths and beyond.
By donating today to our Inclusion Appeal, you will provide practical, immediate support that transforms futures. Your donations will help young people find belonging, overcome challenges and achieve their potential.
Please consider making a gift today. For example:
- £10: could fund a day’s travel bursary for one Art Summer School participant
- £50: could help an Equity Award student buy essential equipment for their course, like an instrument or art materials
- £300: could fund a special workshop where an Alchemy student learns a new skill from a professional musician or alumni
Every donation helps to open doors and create bright futures. Thank you for your continued support.