Who we are
Aspire North delivers the Schools for Higher Education Programme (SHEP)for the North of Scotland as part of the National Schools Programme funded by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC).
We are a widening access initiative that supports young people from local secondary schools into Higher Education, anything from an HNC to a Degree.
We work with selected S3-S6 pupils in the North of Scotland, with teams based in Aberdeen and Inverness.
Our objectives
Drive to widen access to Higher Education opportunities for everyone
Advice and guidance
Raise aspirations & awareness
Promote positive attitudes
Support achievement
Our team
Anne Haggart
anne@aspirenorth.co.uk ​
What do you get up to outside of work?
I can usually be found at any of the theatres in Aberdeen as I have a love of all things theatrical.
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What did you study in HE?
My Undergraduate degree was in Cell and Immunobiology, followed by a PhD in Medicine and Therapeutics (Immunology).
If you could go back and study anything else what would it be?
Still having an interest in helping people I think it would be education or nursing/medicine.
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What advice would you give to your 17 year-old self? Â
Don’t be afraid of the times when things seem tough, with determination and hard work you can achieve all that you want to.Â
Lesley-Ann Taylor
Lesley-ann@aspirenorth.co.uk
What do you get up to outside of work?
I spend most of my free time standing at the side of a football pitch – great in summer, not so enjoyable in winter!
What did you study in HE?
I left school in 5th year and studied in Edinburgh for 1 year, before continuing my Corporate Communication degree course in Aberdeen.
If you could go back and study anything else what would it be?
I really enjoy working with people and have a keen interest in the mind and body. I am fascinated by top athletes, so sports science with a little psychology would be ideal!
What advice would you give to your 17 year-old self?
Don’t sweat the small stuff! Enjoy moments of success and don’t dwell on the failures, it’s all part of the experience.
Ella Gillies
ella@aspirenorth.co.uk
What do you get up to outside of work?
I like hillwalking and bothying – and café stops along the way too! I also enjoy exploring the outdoors by paddleboard or pony.
What did you study in HE?
I studied Law and History at the University of Strathclyde, then a research Masters in History, before completing my TQFE to teach social sciences in colleges.
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If you could go back and study anything else what would it be?
It would have to be something at SRUC; I love the outdoors and animals!
What advice would you give to your 17 year-old self? Â
It’s okay to choose a course based on your interests and strengths – you don’t have to know exactly what job you’ll do at the end or choose a vocational course. There are so many jobs out there that you won’t find out about until much later on.
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Alex Cummings
​alex@aspirenorth.co.uk
What do you get up to outside of work?
I love folk music and go to sessions most weeks. I also play wheelchair basketball and really enjoy going to the gym.
What did you study in HE?
I studied a French and History degree and really enjoyed it, especially because I got the chance to live and work in France for a year. After I finished, I did a PGCE to train to be a French teacher.
If you could go back and study anything else what would it be?
Hmm, that’s a tough one. I’d quite to study something to do with Music or maybe Literature, but I’ve got no idea what that would be!
What advice would you give to your 17 year-old self?
Opportunities pop up in the most unexpected places, always give yourself the best chance to take them when they come
Janet Clark
janet@aspirenorth.co.uk
What do you get up to outside of work?
I enjoy walking our dog Hugo, I also cycle (mostly in good weather) and have been known to dabble in a little skiing in France. I have recently re-discovered my enjoyment of keep-fit, which was hard to start with but is now a lot easier. I also find it helps to clear my head and gives me so “me time”
What did you study in HE?
I went straight from school into working in an office, but through my employers I continued my education at college in the evening and day release. I gained an NVQ3 in Customer Service then my HNC in Business Admin.
If you could go back and study anything else what would it be?
I have only ever wanted to work in an office so I’m not sure. I would probably have been more business focussed with the qualifications I obtained.
What advice would you give to your 17 year-old self?
Don’t dwell on things too much, it’s not the end of the world if at 17 you aren’t sure what you want to do for the rest of your life, something will jump out at you eventually. Expose yourself to as many opportunities as possible.
Vacant
Carola Highet
carola.highet@abdn.ac.uk
Carola, graduated from the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) in 2012 with a BA(Hons) Business & Management degree. Her experience with education has demonstrated that no two learning paths are the same and that everyone should have the opportunity to go on to further academic study.
Martin Kennedy
martin.kennedy@abdn.ac.uk
Martin graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a PGDE (Primary Teaching) in 2017 having previous attained a BSc (Hons) in Sport and Exercise Science. He believes everyone should have a fair and equal opportunity to access education
Jackie Smith
j.smith@abdn.ac.uk
Jackie served in the Royal Air Force and then worked for Grampian Police while studying for a BSc (Hons) Psychology degree with the Open University. Jackie believes every young person has potential and that learning never ends, whatever the age.Â
Stephanie Spence
stephanie.spence@abdn.ac.uk
Stephanie, our Administrative Secretary, left school and worked as an Office Junior with a local newspaper company and soon worked her way “up the ranks” on the career ladder.  Steph has also completed distance learning courses in Administration and as a Personal Assistant to help further enhance her skill base.
Our partners
Our organisation works with all Higher Education providers within the region. Our immediate partners are detailed below:
Councils & organisations
Our schools
Our organisation works with the following schools in the North of Scotland
