About
Applications are open until Monday 18 May 10am.
The Mel Beaman Student Programme offers:
- four days of hybrid work experience
- a year of professional mentoring
- an opportunity for one student from the cohort to receive a bursary of up to £10,000
It is aimed at young people who live in areas of lower social mobility. In 2026, we will again focus on students in the Leeds area who have recently taken their GCSEs and are coming to the end of their full-time education (ie currently in Year 12 and between 16 and 17 years old).
Further details are set out below.
Work experience
- two days in our Leeds office offering opportunities for face-to-face networking, as well as two days virtual work experience. The work experience placement is intended to replicate hybrid working
- a blended provision of online presentations and group projects, as well as development of key skills such as teamwork, planning and communication.
- opportunity to meet people in a professional environment and hear about their role and responsibilities at the Bank of England
Mentoring
- online monthly mentoring over a 12-month period
- one-to-one contact with a Bank of England employee who will act as role model/mentor
- mentor will guide students through key milestone events such as further education application processes and personal statement and CV preparation
- mentoring scheme will include master classes focussed on skills development and an opportunity to meet mentors in person
Bursary
- the selected student could receive up to £10,000
- they can use it to help with costs for higher education or relocation for an apprenticeship
- there is a minimum educational requirement of three Cs at A level
- students must have a household income of £30,000 or less
Background
The Bank has set up this programme in memory of Mel Beaman, who passed away suddenly in 2023. She made significant contributions to the Bank throughout her career and to our social mobility agenda. Mel mentored colleagues as she developed her career and spoke openly about her background to encourage others’ ambitions.