Welcome to Generating Genius

Based at University College London, Generating Genius works, alongside a wide range of partner schools and universities, with hundreds of high-achieving children and young people from challenging backgrounds where there has been no tradition of entry to higher education. Through our two personalised support programmes, we aim to enable participants to win places at our top universities.

We currently run two programmes, Junior Genius for children aged 12-16, and Uni Genius, for those aged 16-18. We place a focus on STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths).

Our work has attracted funding from a number of blue-chip corporate sponsors, including:

  • Google
  • Shell UK
  • BT
  • Barclays
  • Bank of America
  • Proctor and Gamble
  • BNY Mellon
  • Johnson Matthey
  • RAF
    We also work with a number of other partners, including the National HE STEM Programme.

WANTED: Academic Tutors for Uni Genius

Generating Genius are currently recruiting volunteer Academic Tutors for their Uni Genius programme. If you would like to see how just two hours a week of your time might be able to help our talented sixth form students fulfil their potential, please click here.

Find out more

Read about our flagship courses, Junior Programme and Uni Genius. Find out how universities and schools can work in partnership with Generating Genius.

We welcome approaches from journalists – see our media page for more about how we can work with you. And visit our Donations page to find out about ways in which you can support our vital work.

Watch our video; read our brochure

This booklet explains our ambitions, how we work  and describes the programmes we run. For a print version, email gideon@generatinggenius.org.uk. Watch the video below in which Generating Genius students talk about their experience of taking part in our programme. Visit the Sponsors ‎page to watch our students learning about chemical engineering at Johnson Matthey.

Charity of the Year

We’re delighted to have won our category in the prestigious European Diversity Awards, which attracted 500 nominations from 20 countries. The prize, from sponsor Societe Generale, included a very generous cheque for £5,000, which will be put to excellent use as Generating Genius expands its support programmes for disadvantaged young people. Many thanks to all concerned.

Tony one of London’s ‘Most Influential’

Great news that Generating Genius founder and chief executive Dr Tony Sewell has been included in the London Evening Standard‘s list of the 1,000 most influential people in London. He was named as one of a handful of Education Crusaders and finds himself in very distinguished company alongside Ofsted chief Sir Michael Wilshaw and Universities Minister David Willetts. Read the list here.

Inspiring our students to achieve more

One of our Uni Genius participants reports on our one-day orthopaedic workshop held at Imperial College London for students interested in a career in medicine.

The lectures were aimed at medical students. We, as sixth formers, felt extremely out of our league. However, it was beneficial because it was the first lecture we’ve ever been to. People have talked about lectures and how they’re set out, but you never really know exactly what they are like unless you’ve experienced it yourself.We were then divided into groups. First was a knee examination workshop where we learnt how to talk to the patient and make them feel comfortable. We got to try this out for ourselves! The second workshop was all about fractures and how to mend them. We were split into pairs and we were able to use drills and different tools to help us join two bones back together. Me and my friend were supervised by a surgeon! I’ll probably remember the experience for the rest of my life. The workshop was something I will never forget. It has made me appreciate all the hard work that goes into getting to where doctors and surgeons are today…  it’s worth it!

Read more

Mayor’s report, chaired by Sewell, hits headlines

Generating Genius founder and chief executive Dr Tony Sewell was in the national spotlight when The Mayor’s Education Enquiry report on London schools was published in mid-October. Mayor Boris Johnson paid tribute to Tony’s work, saying: ‘I very much welcome this report and wish to extend my sincere thanks to the inquiry’s chair, Tony Sewell.’

With Tony at the helm, it is no surprise that the report is full of innovative – and sometimes controversial – ideas. Its ethos and ambition for London’s youngsters are closely aligned with the values and objectives of Generating Genius. The report’s 12 recommendations include:

  • creation of a ‘Gold Club’ of high-performing schools;
  • creation of a ‘London Schools Excellence Fund’ to address underachievement;
  • creation of a ‘London Curriculum’;
  • collaboration between schools and leading universities to target children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

You can read the report here.

Tony with mayor Boris Johnson at the report launch (picture by Kois Miah)