CO-OPERATION between universities and schools can play a major part in widening access to higher education, according to one successful candidate from a poorer background.

Elizabeth McLennan, 19, from Easterhouse in Glasgow, is embarking on the first year of a medical degree thanks to the work of teachers in her school and help from a Glasgow University access programme.

The teenager, who attended Lochend Community High, which serves some of the most deprived neighbourhoods in Scotland, decided she wanted to be a doctor two years ago during a school trip to Malawi, where she visited a hospital.

On her return, she told her school she wanted to pursue a medical career, but lacked the necessary science qualifications. The school put her through both chemistry and biology Highers in her sixth year and she passed with flying colours – leaving with seven Highers and an Advanced Higher.

By taking part in a preparation course for potential students run by Glasgow University she also felt she was fully prepared for university life when she was accepted for a place there.

"There was a culture at school in the lower years where other pupils can almost look down on you for pursuing an academic career and wanting to go to university, but as I got older people accepted me more for what I was," she said.

"I cannot sing the praises of the school highly enough. The teachers are really focused and have time for everyone and do their best. The school is not the best in league tables, but they are the best at getting you what you want."

Ms McLennan also praised the work of the university. "The pre-entry programmes offered by Glasgow University were definite assets when it came to applying to universities and I had the good fortune of taking part in a few of these throughout my time at school," she said.

The University of the West of Scotland has also been praised for attracting students from more deprived backgrounds. It recruited 1117 people from such backgrounds, accounting for just over one-quarter of its intake.

A spokesman for UWS said: "We are involved in a number of successful initiatives to widen participation, evidenced by the fact a significant percentage of our student body is from lower socio-economic backgrounds.

"The university aims to raise awareness of the opportunities in higher education to those who come from under-represented groups, and runs a range of activities and initiatives to help both young people and adults who do not have a family tradition of going to university.

"Degree programmes are available on a full-time or part-time basis and credit may be awarded for relevant prior learning.

"Widening participation initiatives range from the delivery of introductory modules within the community to taster sessions in a variety of subject areas on campus, which increase confidence and equip participants with the study and learning skills needed to succeed at university."