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.
Lynn Brown
lynn@aspirenorth.co.uk
What do you get up to outside of work?
I live on a farm so at certain times of the year things are very busy especially at lambing time. I love watching rugby and try to attend as many games as I can and if this includes a weekend away abroad even better.
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What did you study in HE?
I studied an MA in Geography at the University of Aberdeen
If you could go back and study anything else what would it be?
I would love to study Forensic Psychology as I think it would be really interesting to understand the psychological problems associated with criminal behaviour.
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What advice would you give to your 17 year-old self? Â
Have a think about what you want to do in the future and select your course accordingly. Don’t worry if you aren’t 100% sure what you ultimately want to do as there are many ways to get to the same end result.
Alex Cummings
​alex@aspirenorth.co.uk
What do you get up to outside of work?
I play music with different groups around the city, go to the gym and play cricket in the summer. I like going hiking and camping when I get the chance.
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. That was one of the best experiences I’ve had because it helped me become a lot more independent and gave me the chance to meet and work with a massive range of people. 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 really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do at 17 and maybe ruled things out too soon. Maybe something Mountain leader course or outdoor education, as this is something I really enjoy now and would love to have developed my skills earlier.
What advice would you give to your 17 year-old self? Â
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 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.
Elsbeth Neil
elsbeth.neil@abdn.ac.uk
Elsbeth has had significant involvement in Youth and Community Education and has worked with various organisations including The Prince’s Trust, YMCA Scotland and the Rank Foundation. Elsbeth firmly believes that learning is a natural, ongoing process which is inherent in everyone and to not to be afraid of making mistakes! Mistakes are good! It’s how we learn. Â
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
