Sophie Pender: Championing Social Mobility and Empowering State-Educated Students
Sophie Pender is a remarkable British social mobility advocate, lawyer, and entrepreneur whose dedication to creating equal opportunities for state-educated students has reshaped the UK’s educational and professional landscape. As the founder and CEO of The 93% Club, Sophie has built the UK’s first and largest membership network for state-educated individuals. Her journey from growing up on a council estate to becoming a Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree exemplifies the power of determination, resilience, and vision.
This article explores Sophie Pender’s life, education, career, and her impactful work with The 93% Club and other organisations, highlighting her contributions to social mobility and diversity in the UK.
Early Life and Education
Sophie Pender’s upbringing was marked by both challenge and triumph. Raised on a council estate in North London, she faced the difficulties that many in disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds experience, including limited access to networks and opportunities. Despite these barriers, Sophie excelled academically, becoming the first student from Hertswood Academy to achieve straight A*s at A-Level in Government and Politics, English Literature, and History.
Her academic success paved the way for her to attend the University of Bristol in 2014, where she studied English. Sophie was the first in her family to enter higher education — a milestone that carried significant emotional and societal weight. However, her university experience revealed a stark reality: academic excellence alone was insufficient for accessing top career paths and professional networks. This insight fuelled her ambition to bridge the gap for other state-educated students.
Founding The 93% Club: A Movement for Social Mobility
At the age of 19, while still an undergraduate at the University of Bristol, Sophie Pender launched The 93% Club initially as a Facebook group. The name references the statistic that approximately 93% of UK students attend state schools, yet they remain underrepresented in elite professions and university leadership. Sophie’s mission was clear: to create a supportive community and platform that would empower state-educated students to access career opportunities traditionally dominated by privately educated peers.
Since its inception in 2016, The 93% Club has grown exponentially. It has evolved from a single university page to a national social enterprise and membership network that spans over 40 universities and reaches more than 10,000 members across the UK. The club’s purpose is not only to provide networking opportunities but also to actively challenge elitism in higher education and employment sectors.
The 93% Club’s Services and Impact
The 93% Club offers a comprehensive range of services aimed at equipping its members with the skills, confidence, and connections required to succeed in competitive environments:
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Careers Supermarket: An exclusive platform where members can find graduate jobs, internships, and work placements tailored specifically for state-educated candidates.
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Employability Training: Workshops and seminars designed to build skills such as interview techniques, CV writing, and professional communication.
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Speaker Events: Access to expert speakers from diverse sectors who share insights, career advice, and inspirational stories.
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Networking: Opportunities to connect with members across the 30+ university chapters, fostering peer support and professional relationships.
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Member-Only Events: Exclusive social and professional events held in major UK cities that enable members to expand their networks and engage with potential employers.
Through these initiatives, The 93% Club is transforming the social mobility landscape by directly addressing the disadvantages faced by state-educated students and alumni.
Professional Career: From Law to Social Enterprise
Alongside her entrepreneurial efforts, Sophie pursued a legal career. She trained and qualified as a solicitor, working at the prestigious law firm Herbert Smith Freehills from 2019 to early 2023. During her time there, Sophie gained experience across various sectors including energy, infrastructure projects, corporate disputes, mergers and acquisitions, and arbitration. Her role involved advising high-profile clients and handling complex transactions and litigations, all of which honed her analytical and professional skills.
In 2023, Sophie joined Bates Wells, the UK’s first B Corp law firm renowned for its commitment to social and environmental impact. At Bates Wells, she has been advising clients ranging from charities and social enterprises to impact investors and traditional corporations, helping them navigate corporate governance, fundraises, and mergers with a focus on sustainability and purpose-driven goals.
Sophie has balanced her legal career with her leadership at The 93% Club, demonstrating her dedication to both professional excellence and social change.
Contributions to Education and Social Mobility Organisations
Sophie Pender’s commitment to social mobility extends beyond The 93% Club. During her university years, she served as a Student Trustee at the University of Bristol Students’ Union from 2015 to 2017. In this role, she contributed to governance and policies aimed at improving student welfare and inclusivity.
She also chaired the Alumni Committee for Access Aspiration, a social mobility charity focused on placing disadvantaged students in elite work experience placements. Through Access Aspiration, Sophie spoke at prominent venues such as 11 Downing Street, the House of Commons, and the House of Lords, advocating for greater support and pathways for underrepresented students.
Her early involvement in Access Aspiration highlights a consistent pattern of leadership and advocacy dedicated to breaking down barriers for state-educated individuals.
Awards and Recognition
Sophie’s work has been widely celebrated:
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Forbes 30 Under 30: Recognised for her innovation and leadership in social enterprise and social mobility.
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Diana Award Recipient: Awarded for her outstanding contribution to youth social change.
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Vice-Chancellor’s Award, University of Bristol: Honouring exceptional achievement and impact during her studies.
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Great British Entrepreneur Awards Finalist: For her entrepreneurial efforts with The 93% Club.
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Barclays Future 100 Women to Watch: Highlighting her as a rising leader in her field.
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UK Social Mobility Awards Rising Star: Acknowledging her influence in advancing social mobility.
These accolades validate Sophie’s status as a transformative figure in education and social justice.
Sophie Pender’s Vision and Future Goals
Sophie’s mission goes beyond creating networks. She envisions a UK where educational background does not determine life chances and where state-educated students can access the same opportunities, influence, and wealth as their privately educated peers.
Her leadership of The 93% Club continues to expand the organisation’s reach, deepen employer partnerships, and influence policy conversations around education and employment equality. By collaborating with top employers and institutions, Sophie seeks to embed diversity and inclusion in recruitment and workplace culture.
Conclusion
Sophie Pender’s story is a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have in dismantling systemic barriers. From her early days on a council estate to leading a nationwide social enterprise and working as a corporate lawyer, Sophie exemplifies how perseverance and vision can fuel social change.
The 93% Club stands as a beacon for social mobility in the UK, providing state-educated students and graduates with the tools, support, and networks needed to thrive. Sophie’s ongoing commitment to this cause, alongside her legal career and advocacy work, marks her as a leading voice for fairness, equity, and opportunity.
Her journey encourages society to rethink traditional notions of privilege and success, inspiring future generations to believe that where you come from should never dictate where you can go.
