Business launched to help students with university applications

Lucy Aditi, 47, launched her business The Life Tutor in 2019 with the intention of helping people feel happier in their education.

When lockdown hit, priorities changed as the gap between privileged and disadvantaged students began to widen.

Now, Lucy is offering a free online challenge to help those without the face-to-face support of teachers get a place on their perfect course.

“Normally, we’d start working with Year 12 students on their university applications in the summer term,” said Lucy, who lives in Brighton.

“They’d be visiting local campuses and attending open days further afield. None of this was possible and lessons will still be disrupted in September, so a different approach is needed.”

Lucy plans to work directly with families to get them started on the UCAS application process - helping students find suitable courses with the support of their parents and carers, who will be guided through each stage.

“I love the idea of helping people who were disadvantaged through lockdown to have a fighting chance of getting a university place,” added Lucy.

“It’s been widely reported that students at state schools received less face-to-face teaching than their peers at independent schools, so I want to rectify this in some way.”

Lucy believes that by involving parents and carers in the application process, students will be able to fly through it - even if their education continues to be interrupted. She plans to offer an ongoing support group for families who want additional help with preparing for university as they progress through the year.

“I am passionate about making opportunities like Higher Education accessible to all, rather than just the elite,” Lucy concluded. “Anyone who wants to go to university should have that chance… there is an ideal course for almost everyone.”

Website thelifetutor.uk