Secondary partnerships

How to apply to KAN

On this page, prospective students and mentors can find information about our application processes.

How to apply

The application process

To apply students must complete this form. The information asked helps us decide who will be able to get the most out of the opportunities available. As part of this we ask students to submit a personal statement (500-1000 words) explaining why they feel they are suitable for the scheme. We want to hear about their drive, ambition and dreams. Selected students will then be invited to a short interview, which is held online at their school.

KAN student code of conduct

When writing your personal statement, consider the following:

What interests and motivates me?
What do I want to be or have in the future?
An example of what I do outside of lessons that shows I have the commitment required to be part of a four year programme.
Spelling and grammar

The KAN teacher-lead at your school will be able to support you in the writing of your personal statement, so do ask them for help.

When preparing for interview, consider the following:

Can you articulate why you would like a place on KAN and how you will be able to make the most of the opportunity?
What are your best skills and qualities? What examples (from school or hobbies) demonstrate them?
Re-read your personal statement and be prepared to talk about anything you mentioned.
The interviewers would like to get to know you and are very friendly, so try to be relaxed and enjoy the experience – we know this may be your first time having a formal interview.

KAN aims to improve student confidence and knowledge, so we are not expecting you already be super confident or to know everything!

If you receive a place on our Aspire University access programme, you will:

Be connected with an undergraduate mentor, who you will see termly and communicate with via an online platform.
Commit to attend two annual meet-up days at Sevenoaks school.
Be given access to Unifrog, an online tool for exploring options.
Be able to apply for the Buffini-Chao Discretionary Fund.

If you receive a place in our Core University access programme, you will:

Receive the same benefits as on Aspire.
Be expected to attend two residential events per year. Three days in Spring and four days in Summer.
The place on the Core programme is conditional upon your commitment to KAN opportunities, if you are consistently unavailable you may be asked to move to Aspire.

KAN Mentors

KAN aims to develop future leaders in education and social impact who feel part of a wider community and have increased opportunities thanks to the experiences and skills they develop through their commitment to the role.

Our undergraduate mentors are at the core of KAN. They are the link between any meet-up day or residential week and student success. By being a consistent point of contact with KAN students the mentor-mentee bond that develops over the four years is unique.

Click the links below to find out more about the responsibilities of a KAN mentor.

Job Description

Safeguarding Policy 2024

Applications for the 2023-2024 round have now closed. Please contact kanuap@sevenoaksschool.org if you wish to express interest in becoming in KAN Mentor. We will run another recruitment round in Autumn 2024.

Buffini-Chao fund, how do i apply?

With the generosity of the Buffini-Chao foundation we are able to offer discretionary grants to current students and mentors.

Applicants must write a letter of request to KANUAP@sevenoaksschool.org and complete this form.

“Working as a mentor for KAN has been one of the most valuable experiences of my life. I love connecting with the students and I’ve also gained lots of important skills myself.”
Mia - KAN Mentor