Launched in the 2023/24 academic year, Breaking the Mould is a targeted outreach initiative tackling the under representation of disadvantaged boys—particularly white working-class males—in higher education. Delivered in collaboration with local schools, colleges, universities, and employers across Cumbria, the project empowers young learners to explore a world of opportunities beyond traditional expectations.
Working with Year 8 students from Furness Academy, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, and St John Henry Newman Catholic School, the project aimed to inspire ambition at a crucial stage—before students make key decisions like choosing their GCSE options. By challenging gender stereotypes and broadening perceptions of future pathways, Breaking the Mould encourages students to think bigger about what they can achieve.
Through a series of engaging workshops and immersive trips to major employers including BAE Systems, NHS Trusts, and the Pears Cumbria School of Medicine, participants connected directly with industries, higher education providers, and relatable role models. These experiences not only introduced academic and vocational possibilities but also helped students build self-belief and confidence in their futures.
Part of Hello Future’s broader outreach work—supporting over 25,000 young people to date—Breaking the Mould is helping reshape what’s possible for the next generation.
Partner Insight: University of Central Lancashire (UCLan)
Jess Richmond, a representative from the University of Central Lancashire, reflected on their involvement in the Breaking the Mould project:
“It was a pleasure to collaborate with Hello Future on the Breaking the Mould project. We loved welcoming Year 8 pupils to UCLan to explore careers in health and social care and experience university life first-hand.
Through hands-on activities, meeting our students and staff, and visiting spaces like our mock courtroom and clinical skills labs, we hope they left feeling inspired and more confident about their future choices.
Year 8 is such a crucial stage — helping pupils see the bigger picture now can make a real difference later on.
We’re excited to work with Hello Future and the Breaking the Mould project again next year.”
This partnership provided students with a valuable early insight into university life and career options, particularly within the health and social care sector, and supported the project’s aim of broadening aspirations among underrepresented groups.