Year 12 only: Slaughter and May Excellerators – develop your skills and learn about career options at a law firm (Virtual work experience)

 

Application deadline: 28th March 2025

Ages: 16 - 19

The Slaughter and May Excellerators Programme is designed to give students an insight into the many different professions at an international law firm, ranging from lawyers to business services, including legal technology, global client development and responsible business.

The programme features four events across the year (May, July and October), giving students a chance to develop their skills and knowledge over time. You must be available to attend all four events to be considered for the programme. 

In addition, through our partnership with non-profit Social Mobility Business Partnership (SMBP), eligible Excellerators students will be prioritised for a place on SMBP’s in person Work Insight & Skills weeks across the UK that take place in July.

Programme outline

• 13 May 2025 – one hour induction (4-5pm) 

• 29 May 2025 – one day launch event (11am-4pm)

• 28 July 2025 - 31 July 2025 - four days’ work insight (10am-4pm each day)

• 27 October 2025 – one day work insight (10am-4pm)

*The SMBP Work & Skills insight week will take place 14-18 or 21-25 July 2025

Application criteria

Candidates must:

• Be in Year 12 

• Meet one or more of the following criteria:* 

o Have been, or are currently, in local authority care.

o Are currently in receipt of, or have previously received, free school meals and/or 16 to 19 Bursary.

o Are, or have been, a full-time or part-time carer.

o Came to the UK as a refugee or asylum seeker.

o Live in a household where the occupation of the main household earner is categorised as a routine or manual occupation 

Check here)

o Grew up in a household where no parent or guardian attended University.

• Excellerators is recommended for students that have achieved grades 6-9 at GCSE.

• Applications from students in the North East, North West, East of England, East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and the Humber, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland will be prioritised.

As this is a virtual opportunity please indicate in your application if you have a laptop with a working webcam and adequate Wi-Fi to take part. Help may be available for those who wish to take part but need tech support.

Find out more and apply here

Please note: Application deadlines may be brought forward if we receive high volumes of applications; therefore, we encourage students to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. 

What Excellerators students said in 2024:

"Taking part in the programme helped me gain an insight into a city law firm. I learnt how to work as a team with other members on the programme and how to present myself vocally with confidence."

"Participating in the Excellerators programme has significantly bolstered my confidence across multiple areas, most notably public speaking, teamwork, and networking. "

"I have gained invaluable experience and knowledge on how to present myself in a professional environment, advice on how to approach applications and interviews as well as improving my networking skills and learning more about the Legal sector."

"I have gained confidence in my ability to work around problems and collaborate with people I have never met."

"Participating in the Excellerators programme has been an invaluable experience that has equipped me with a range of professional and personal skills. One of the most significant takeaways has been the development of my confidence in networking and public speaking. "