A record year for Foundation graduates
This summer has seen our biggest graduating cohort yet, with 34 Foundation-supported students reaching the end of their university studies. Our alumni community now stands at 248 university graduates.
There’s a lot to celebrate in this year’s results too. Nineteen students achieved First-Class degrees and another ten graduated with a 2:1. And 21 have gone into graduate roles directly related to an internship or placement they completed while at university.
One of those graduates is Leah McCluskey, who has graduated from the University of Strathclyde with a First-Class degree in Accountancy and Finance.
Even better, she started her new job with Dains in Glasgow this week.
Leah grew up in the East End of Glasgow and was the first person in her family to go to university. When we spoke to her last year, she was very open about how daunting that had initially felt.
“I had no idea what to expect and pretty much was doing it alone until I reached the ICAS Foundation and grew a network that has helped and changed my life forever.”
Leah had first become interested in accountancy at high school. She enjoyed the subject, did well in her exams and, when it came to looking at university courses, Accountancy and Finance felt like the obvious choice.
At Strathclyde, she was supported by the Foundation and matched with her mentor, George.
“George was an immense help throughout my studies. His guidance and support were invaluable and I am very grateful for the encouragement he provided throughout my time at university.”
It was also through the Foundation that Leah spotted an opportunity for a summer internship with Consilium Chartered Accountants, which is now part of Dains.
She went on to spend two summers with the firm, getting practical experience alongside her degree and getting to know the team she would eventually join.
So when Leah walked into Dains’ Glasgow office on 31st August, it wasn’t her first day there – but it was her first as a graduate employee.
“Those experiences gave me a great introduction to the team and the working environment. It made the decision to return to Dains an easy one and I am excited to now begin the next stage of my career with the firm.”
And she’s in good company. Fellow 2026 Foundation graduate Karley has also joined Dains, where six other Foundation alumni are already working.
Leah now has her sights set on her ICAS exams and becoming a Chartered Accountant.
She also hopes that, in time, she can give something back.
“I literally don’t think I would be here today if it wasn’t for the support of the Foundation,” she told us.
“I would love to be able to give back and continue the support.”
That’s already happening across our growing alumni community. Around 124 former Foundation students have started ICAS training and 16 alumni are now Foundation mentors themselves.
And as one group finishes university, another is about to arrive.
This month, 44 new Foundation students will start university, having been selected from 173 applications.
For now, though, a huge congratulations to Leah – and to all of our students celebrating this summer. We’re very proud of you.
Give someone else their chance
Every one of our 248 graduates started their journey because someone chose to invest in their potential. If you'd like to help create the next success story, we'd be grateful for your support.
