Academic partners
Associate partners
Leading Routes
Leading Routes is a social enterprise dedicated to transforming higher education and research by creating pathways for Black students and scholars. Established in 2017, Leading Routes addresses the underrepresentation of Black voices in academia by providing support, resources, and opportunities from secondary education through to postgraduate research and early-career academia. Their unique combination of targeted programmes, research initiatives, consultancy services, and community engagement positions Leading Routes as a leader in facilitating access to higher education and research for Black students.
The core purpose of Leading Routes is rooted in the belief that is a racially equitable academic sector will shape a fairer society. The organisation has five clear objectives;
- Democratise access to information to support informed decision-making at all levels of study.
- Celebrate the achievements and research of Black students and academics.
- Strengthen the academic pipeline for Black students—from secondary school to academia.
- Build a community that makes academia and research more accessible.
- Inform and influence systemic change to improve the Black experience in academia.
Leading Routes has developed four main areas to deliver its strategic priorities:
- Future Scholars - Prepares sixth-form students and their parents for university, highlighting higher education as a space for research and intellectual exploration. The programme includes workshops, personal statement clinics, and guest lectures from Black academics.
- Black in Academia - A campaign and series of events that support Black scholars pursuing PhDs and academic careers. Black in Academia provides networking opportunities, role models, and information through initiatives like the Black in Academia: Careers Series and Disrupting the Discourse events.
- Consultancy and Training - Offers bespoke training and consultancy services to assist higher education institutions in addressing structural inequalities that impact Black students and academics. Leading Routes has developed a framework for challenging exclusionary ideologies, forming the foundation of its approach to training and consultancy.
- Research and Advocacy - Conducts research to identify barriers faced by Black students and scholars. The landmark Broken Pipeline report led to an £8 million commitment from research funding bodies to improve postgraduate research access for Black and Asian scholars. Leading Routes’ ongoing research informs policy and drives sector-wide change.
Leading Routes has an extensive network of partners, working with over 20 universities and organisations and looks forward to expand its reach and impact through the collaboration with LIDo.
