Starting university is daunting for anyone, but for state school students, it can feel especially overwhelming. A lot of us find ourselves surrounded by privately educated peers who seem to have all the connections, resources, and a head start in the race to build a career. That’s where the 93% Club Glasgow comes in – to even the playing field and give state-educated students the support, resources, and chances they deserve.
What Is the 93% Club and Why Does It Matter?
The 93% Club is a national charity and the first and largest network for state-educated students and professionals in the UK. Their goal is pretty straightforward: to break down the barriers that have kept opportunities and knowledge locked up in private school alumni networks for way too long. They’re flipping the script on those exclusive Old Boys’ Networks by creating the UK’s least exclusive club – one that’s proud of its state school roots and focused on making sure state-educated students get the same access to support, networks, and opportunities as their privately educated peers.
The name “93% Club” says it all – 93% of UK students go to state schools, yet they’re massively underrepresented in top universities, internships, and high-paying jobs. And it gets even more shocking when you learn that 60% of government roles are filled by privately educated people, even though they make up just 7% of the population. For many state school students, starting university is a wake-up call. They quickly realise they’re miles behind in networking and commercial know-how compared to their privately educated classmates. Landing internships can feel nearly impossible when you’re up against people who have been stacking up work experience through family connections for years.
We believe that ambitious students shouldn’t be held back by their backgrounds.
I came across the 93% Club on LinkedIn during my third year at university and instantly saw how valuable their professional network was – from career advice and guidance to mentoring opportunities. In December 2024, I got in touch with them about starting a chapter at Glasgow. The huge amount of interest that followed highlighted an uncomfortable truth – there’s a massive support gap for state school students, especially at this prestigious Russell Group University, and it’s not going to fix itself.
What We’re Trying to Achieve
The 93% Club Glasgow isn’t just another university society – it’s a movement. We want to make sure that every student, no matter where they come from, has the same shot at success. By creating a space where state-educated students can connect, share experiences, and get access to resources they haven’t been able to access, we’re hoping to close the opportunity gap that still exists in higher education and beyond.
Our mission revolves around networking events, workshops to build professional skills, socials, mentorship programs, and fostering a supportive community at the University of Glasgow. We believe that ambitious students shouldn’t be held back by their backgrounds. Being part of a community of like-minded, motivated people can make all the difference – not just for career prospects but for building friendships and a sense of belonging too. Joining the 93% Club is about way more than just creating fairer opportunities; it’s about making sure no student feels like they’re falling behind. It’s about building a university environment where everyone has the chance to thrive, no matter what school they went to.
Looking Ahead
At the 93% Club Glasgow, we’ve got big plans for the future, including a mix of socials and cross-industry panel events. We’re also looking into arranging free professional headshots to help our members level up their LinkedIn profiles and job applications.
One of the highlights looking forward is our partnership with Burness Paull LLP and the School of Law Social Mobility Mentor Scheme. We are hosting a panel event at the Burness Paull Glasgow office that will focus on social mobility in the legal profession – an amazing opportunity to hear directly from industry experts and ask questions about breaking into the field.
By building a strong and supportive network, we want to help our members chase their career goals with confidence. At the end of the day, our vision is simple: a future where a student’s background doesn’t decide their opportunities or how far they can go. For state school students at Glasgow and beyond, the 93% Club isn’t just a society – it’s a statement of fairness, ambition, and community.
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