Year groups(s)
England - Year 10
Timing
Summer holidays
Course format
In-Person
Renumeration
Unpaid
Programme details
Our ambitious Young Talent Programme aims to raise the aspirations of disadvantaged students, through access to opportunities within the legal profession, and an insight into the world of work. The programme commenced in 2012 in partnership with Frederick Bremer School in Walthamstow, a non-selective state school.
Each year a group of twelve Year 10 students is selected onto the programme, with each cohort returning to the firm every year to take part in the following initiatives: work experience; skills sessions; project work; presentations; a paid internship; group mentoring and the opportunity to apply for a Simmons & Simmons bursary if they go on to university. Our programme supports students over a seven year period and treats the students as equals rather than beneficiaries which has a significant effect on social mobility by building their confidence and independence of thought.
When does it happen?
The Young Talent Programme consists of a series of activities and mentoring, including work experience, presentations, workshops and paid internships that run throughout the year. We make a commitment to support the students for up to seven years.
Who can apply?
In 2012, the firm set out to develop an engaging programme and deliberately partnered with Frederick Bremer School in Walthamstow because:
• The school, aged 11-16 is located in a borough just outside the City and the usual catchment area for recipients of corporate initiatives.
• Walthamstow is the sixth most deprived borough in London and 35% of the school¹s students are eligible for free school meals.
• The student profile is particularly diverse, 42 different languages are spoken and 50% of students achieve 5+ A*-C GCSE grades, this is considerably lower than the national average (63.8%).
Year 10 students of Frederick Bremer School are only eligible to apply to the Young Talent Programme. Social mobility schemes are often criticised for targeting students too late (aged 16+) and because they do not provide sustainable support. Our programme engages students pre-GCSE (aged 14) and for a seven year period and we believe that this model enables us to make a real difference to the lives and aspirations of these students.
Once the year 10 students have completed an application to be considered for the programme, we work with the school to select the students. A number of partners and colleagues at the firm interview the students. The interview questions focus on the student¹s motivation, interests and understanding of Simmons & Simmons (based on their visit to the firm).
How many spaces are there?
Each year a group of twelve Year 10 students is selected onto the programme.
Who do I need to contact?
Applications to the Young Talent Programme are only open to students of Frederick Bremer School, Walthamstow.
Each year a group of twelve Year 10 students is selected onto the programme, with each cohort returning to the firm every year to take part in the following initiatives: work experience; skills sessions; project work; presentations; a paid internship; group mentoring and the opportunity to apply for a Simmons & Simmons bursary if they go on to university. Our programme supports students over a seven year period and treats the students as equals rather than beneficiaries which has a significant effect on social mobility by building their confidence and independence of thought.
When does it happen?
The Young Talent Programme consists of a series of activities and mentoring, including work experience, presentations, workshops and paid internships that run throughout the year. We make a commitment to support the students for up to seven years.
Who can apply?
In 2012, the firm set out to develop an engaging programme and deliberately partnered with Frederick Bremer School in Walthamstow because:
• The school, aged 11-16 is located in a borough just outside the City and the usual catchment area for recipients of corporate initiatives.
• Walthamstow is the sixth most deprived borough in London and 35% of the school¹s students are eligible for free school meals.
• The student profile is particularly diverse, 42 different languages are spoken and 50% of students achieve 5+ A*-C GCSE grades, this is considerably lower than the national average (63.8%).
Year 10 students of Frederick Bremer School are only eligible to apply to the Young Talent Programme. Social mobility schemes are often criticised for targeting students too late (aged 16+) and because they do not provide sustainable support. Our programme engages students pre-GCSE (aged 14) and for a seven year period and we believe that this model enables us to make a real difference to the lives and aspirations of these students.
Once the year 10 students have completed an application to be considered for the programme, we work with the school to select the students. A number of partners and colleagues at the firm interview the students. The interview questions focus on the student¹s motivation, interests and understanding of Simmons & Simmons (based on their visit to the firm).
How many spaces are there?
Each year a group of twelve Year 10 students is selected onto the programme.
Who do I need to contact?
Applications to the Young Talent Programme are only open to students of Frederick Bremer School, Walthamstow.
