What is Frontrunner?
Frontrunner is the Common Purpose course run for students at university who have a track record of leading change. It develops their leadership skills and helps them to set their sights even higher as they look ahead beyond full time education.

Who is Frontrunner for?
Individuals who are full time university students, this includes both undergraduate and postgraduate students.

Where are Frontrunner courses run?
Frontrunner is currently run in the United Kingdom and will soon be developed in France, Germany, South Africa, Hong Kong, Hungary and India.

What is Frontrunner Customised?
Frontrunner Customised are courses that are tailored specifically to a university or organisation. In the past, we have delivered customised Frontrunner courses for students at Sheffield Hallam Business school, participants on INTO programmes and for similar organisations throughout the UK. Turkey and South Africa. To learn more about how you can get a Frontrunner customised for your university or organisation, email frontrunner@commonpurpose.org

What is Frontrunner for students from China and the EU?
The course aims to bring together students from China studying in an EU university with students from the host country. Courses are currently running throughout the UK and under development in France and Germany.

How do I apply for the course?
You need to apply through your university. Email us at frontrunner@commonpurpose.org to find out if your university is participating.

Is there a fee to attend the course?
No - places are free to successful participants. The course is funded by our university partners and sponsors. All costs for sessions taking place off-campus as part of the course - including food, drink and transport - will be provided.

What is the Frontrunner course for disabled students?
The course is a three-day residential leadership development course for students enrolled in higher education in the United Kingdom.

What does 'residential' mean?
Residential means that you will attend the course at a set location and be accommodated overnight on-site for the duration of the three days.

When is the course held?
The course will twice a year in summer and winter through December 2013.

Where is the course held?
The venue for the 2011 courses will be in Central London. Locations will be determined each year when course dates are set.

Who is the course for?
The course is for students enrolled in higher education who have not yet started their career. Individuals applying must be residents of the United Kingdom, at the time the course will take place.

What are the criteria for being successful in my application?
Applicants should be able to demonstrate previous leadership achievements or be willing to explore their leadership potential. People who wish to attend should be available for the full three days of the course and should be willing to share perspectives or life experiences that will add to the diversity and dynamics of the group. This course is for students who are disabled or have a learning difficulty. Visit the DirectGov website website for a definition of disability.

What is the benefit of completing the course?
You are just beginning your career. Too often talented leaders are asked to specialise and narrow their focus to move up through an organisation quickly. However at some point in their career these talented individuals are told they need to 'see the bigger picture.' Common Purpose courses have a 21 year track record of helping people see more broadly than their specialisation.

Our experiential coursework has been designed to help you: engage with people from diverse backgrounds; spot opportunities and new ways of working; work collaboratively; understand your own leadership strengths and challenges; act courageously; and develop empathy.

Is there a fee for the course?
No. The course is free.

How is the course funded?
Santander are the proud sponsors of the course.

Will accommodation and food be provided?
Yes. There is no need to bring food or arrange accommodation. Common Purpose will do that for you.If you have special dietary or access requirements, please let us know in advance by contacting frontrunner@commonpurpose.org

Will travel be paid for during the course?
Common Purpose will organise and pay for any travel necessary during the course. Transport to and from your home to the course venue in London will be at your own expense.

How can I apply?
Applications can be downloaded from the website in various formats. If you have any difficulties accessing, reading or understanding the application form, or if you require the form in a different format, please contact frontrunner@commonpurpose.org

What format is the application form available in?
The application may be download it in word and large print versions. We may be able to send you a different version of the form that will suit your needs on request.

When is the application deadline?
The application deadline for the summer course is by 5pm on Wednesday 1 June 2011.

How are participants selected?
Participants are selected by an independent Advisory Group based upon the strength of the submitted application and fulfilment of eligibility criteria. All applications received before the deadline for each course intake will be considered for one of the 40 places available.

I'm not sure what to write on the application. What should I do?
Everyone has aspects to their personality that make them interesting; it is just a case of telling us your story. You might find it helpful to ask someone close to you such as a friend, relative, or teacher to outline a testimonial for you on why you are exceptional and that will help you write your application. The hardest part of the process is getting started, so at first, try not to confine yourself to a word limit or worry too much about the structure. Write down your ideas then edit to the application form requirements.

What happens after I have applied?
You will be notified if your application has been successful within 20 days of the application deadline.

What if I can't attend the entire course?One of the key benefits of the course is its dynamic atmosphere created over three days with a large participant group and consistent small groups working together on specific leadership challenges. One of the key application requirements is that participants must be able to commit to three full days on-site at the course. Unfortunately no exceptions can be made on this point so if for any reason applicants are unsure that they will be able to attend for three days, we do encourage you to reconsider applying.

What is the public benefit of the course and campaign?
Common Purpose is committed to increasing diverse leadership in the United Kingdom. Over the course of three years, Common Purpose will help 240 disabled students develop the skills and capabilities to be effective leaders. This will diversify leadership in the United Kingdom and better represent the interests of disabled people.