In the heart of East London, the Waltham Forest community is rich with ambition, diversity, and untapped potential. At the University of Portsmouth London, we are committed to unlocking that potential by creating accessible, flexible, and meaningful pathways into higher education.
Our mission is simple: to ensure that anyone with the drive to succeed, regardless of background, has the opportunity to do so.
At the centre of this commitment is the E17 Degree, a unique support package designed specifically for people living, working or studying in the borough of Waltham Forest. All prospective students who meet the criteria are provided with an automatic £1,000 scholarship, helping to make higher education more accessible for local residents.
One student already benefiting from the E17 Degree is Joshua Ramessar, from Walthamstow, who is studying BA (Hons) Business and Management.
For Joshua, choosing to study locally was an easy decision.
"I've always been interested in how businesses work behind the scenes. How decisions are made and how strategies come together. A lot of what I'm learning applies to real life. I want to start something of my own in the future, so this feels like a good place to start."
As Jonathan Sandling, London Campus Principal, explains:
“The E17 Degree provides a unique opportunity for our local community. We’re committed to making higher education more accessible for all, and this initiative ensures that people in Waltham Forest have the support they need to take that next step in their learning journey.”
For Joshua, that support starts with being able to access a university education close to home.
"It's convenient. I don't have to travel far or move away. It makes studying much more manageable. It's good to know you can access a strong university without leaving the area."
Through our Compact Agreement with local colleges and partners, we’re building clear pathways into higher education, especially for underrepresented students.
This includes:
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Dedicated HE information sessions and careers events
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Subject-specific workshops and campus experiences
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Parent-focused guidance sessions
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Ongoing support throughout the student journey
Students from compact agreement schools will automatically be eligible for benefits up to £2,500 in financial support, including bursaries and widening participation scholarships. For students like Joshua, this additional support helps make university a realistic and achievable option while remaining connected to their local community.
We recognise that every learner’s journey is different. That’s why we offer:
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Foundation programmes for those without traditional qualifications
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Top-up degrees in Business Management and Computer Science
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Flexible study options that fit around work and life
Alongside this, we’re working with Waltham Forest Council to deliver entrepreneurship programmes, business masterclasses, and community outreach, connecting education directly to local opportunity.
Joshua's ambition to one day start his own business reflects exactly what the E17 Degree is designed to support: helping local people develop the skills, confidence and qualifications needed to achieve their goals, while ensuring they can do so within a supportive and accessible learning environment close to home.
Whether you are just starting out, returning to education, or looking to take the next step in your career, your journey can begin here.