From homelessness to bestselling author: Queen’s widening participation success

Tessa Breslin, Vice-Chair of Queen's Foundation Board, engaged in a fireside chat with Professor O'Sullivan during the event at Queen's

Queen’s University Belfast is reaffirming its commitment to breaking down barriers to higher education through its transformative Pathway Opportunity Programme, a flagship initiative designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds.

At a recent event, Professor Katriona O’Sullivan, a bestselling author and former teenage homeless mother turned university lecturer, joined students and alumni to highlight the life-changing impact of equitable access to education.

The event shone a spotlight on the university’s efforts to widen participation, with 34% of its undergraduate entrants hailing from lower socio-economic groups, positioning Queen’s as a UK leader in fostering inclusivity in higher education.

The Pathway Opportunity Programme, a cornerstone of this mission, engages senior school pupils who face significant challenges, such as care experience, caring responsibilities, financial hardship, or being the first in their family to consider university.

Panellists and attendees discuss the importance of widening participation in higher education

Professor O’Sullivan, whose memoir Poor became a number one bestseller, shared her deeply personal journey of overcoming severe poverty to achieve academic success.

Speaking at the event, she said:

“When I was younger, I had no idea of my potential because nobody looked at me as someone who would get to university. As a poor kid, other people’s expectations for me were low and so getting a degree wasn’t on my radar.”

Reflecting on the role of education in her transformation, she added:

“Access to higher education played a huge part in my journey and whilst I am grateful to the programmes and the people who supported me, I firmly believe that an education should be for every person who wants one.

“I am therefore delighted to be at Queen’s to talk about the importance of equity of opportunity and widening participation in higher education for students who will excel when given the right support.”

Professor Katriona O'Sullivan engaged with supporters and beneficiaries of Queen's Pathway Programme throughout the event

O’Sullivan’s story resonates with the ethos of the Pathway Opportunity Programme, which she praised, noting:

“The Pathway Opportunity Programme at Queen’s means hundreds of brilliant minds are supported to fulfil their potential.”

A Holistic Approach to Widening Participation

Queen’s Widening Participation team delivers a range of initiatives to address the unique challenges faced by underrepresented students.

The Pathway Opportunity Programme offers workshops, study sessions, summer schools, and mentoring, alongside confidence-building exercises to raise aspirations and prepare young people for university life. These efforts are designed to ensure students not only gain access to higher education but also thrive during their academic journey.

Pictured L-R with bestselling author, Professor Katriona O'Sullivan (third from right) are: Professor Judy Williams (Queen's), Stephen Clarke (former CEO of WH Smith and Pathway supporter), Hannah Lily Lyttle and Peter Corvan (Queen's Pathway Programme), and Tessa Breslin (Vice Chair of Queen's Foundation Board)

Eddie Friel, Director of Alumni Engagement and Philanthropy at Queen’s, highlighted the critical role of philanthropy in sustaining these efforts. He said:

“The powerful personal testimonies of both Professor O’Sullivan, Queen’s graduate Dr Stephen Clarke and Queen’s Pathway Students demonstrate the significant impact philanthropy has on the lives of young people by supporting them to access opportunities that they may not have otherwise considered, enabling them to overcome barriers and supporting them to excel.”

Friel noted that last year, thanks to the generosity of donors, the university awarded over 450 bursaries to alleviate financial pressures and help students focus on their studies. These bursaries are a lifeline for many, providing practical support such as funding for essential tools like laptops, which enable students to fully engage with their academic pursuits.

Real Stories, Real Impact

The event also featured inspiring stories from Queen’s graduates who benefited from the Pathway Opportunity Programme. Hannah Lily Lyttle, a Law graduate, shared how the programme transformed her trajectory. She said:

“Growing up, I never envisioned the possibility of studying at a prestigious Russell Group University, nor did I have direct connections in the legal field, which initially made me feel uncertain about my path.

“The Pathway Opportunity Programme was a pivotal turning point, providing not only the confidence to pursue my ambitions but also the financial support necessary to thrive. Although financial challenges were a reality, the Pathway Bursary alleviated some of the pressure, allowing me to focus more on my studies.

“The Pathway Bursary enabled me to invest in essential tools like a laptop. This support empowered me to fully engage with my academic pursuits and achieve my potential.”

Professor Katriona O'Sullivan pictured with panellists and supporters of the Pathway Opportunity Programme at Queen's

Similarly, Dr Stephen Clarke, a Queen’s graduate and former CEO of WH Smith, emphasised the importance of giving back to support future generations. He said:

“As a Queen’s graduate, it’s important to give back and invest in the future of young people by supporting the University’s Widening Participation programmes across the University.”

Clarke, an Honorary Graduate of Queen’s, supports initiatives such as the Pathway Bursary Fund, the Reading Together Programme for literacy among cared-for children, and the SUQCESS project, which empowers students facing unique challenges.

He added:

“Philanthropy doesn’t always have to be about big gestures but small acts that can make a huge impact on the future of our young people.”

A Model for Change

Queen’s University Belfast’s commitment to widening participation is not just about opening doors but about ensuring students have the tools and support to succeed.

By combining practical financial assistance with mentorship and confidence-building initiatives, the Pathway Opportunity Programme is helping to level the playing field for young people who might otherwise be overlooked.

As Professor O’Sullivan’s journey illustrates, education can be a powerful catalyst for change, breaking cycles of poverty and unlocking potential. With continued support from alumni, donors, and the wider community, Queen’s is paving the way for a more inclusive future in higher education, ensuring that talent, not circumstance, defines a student’s potential.

For more information on Queen’s University Belfast’s Widening Participation initiatives or to support the Pathway Opportunity Programme, visit Queen’s University Belfast’s official website.