The next phase of the Uni Connect programme will focus on supporting universities and colleges to partner with schools to raise the academic attainment of young people, the OfS has announced today.
Established by the Office for Students (OfS) in 2017, Uni Connect aims to increase the number of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in England who go into higher education. Local partnerships help link universities and colleges with schools to offer young people activities, advice and information on the benefits and realities of going to university. Since its launch, it has engaged with over one million young people, equipping them with the information they need to make informed choices about their future education and helping minimise any barriers to achieving their potential.
The programme will strengthen its focus on raising the academic attainment levels of pupils in years 7 to 11 (ages 12-16). By supporting partnerships between universities and colleges with schools and local organisations, Uni Connect will develop and expand its work to encompass a wide range of high-quality activities to increase students’ attainment and support their progression into higher education.
John Blake, OfS director for fair access and participation, leads on equality of opportunity in higher education at the OfS. John said:
‘It is fantastic to see that over one million young people have engaged with Uni Connect so far and become more informed about educational opportunities and their futures. The earlier that educational support and guidance starts the better, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, which is why it’s important for Uni Connect to focus on raising attainment for those aged 16 and under. Over half of all schools and colleges in England have worked with the programme. We encourage all school leaders to engage with their local Uni Connect partnership to develop collaborative approaches to help drive student attainment up.’
Minister for Skills, Higher and Further Education, Andrea Jenkyns, said:
‘Last year, we asked the OfS to ensure universities are working more closely with schools to make sure disadvantaged pupils are not left behind their peers and so it is excellent to see this being taken forward in great numbers.
‘Since 2017, the Uni Connect outreach programme has made great strides in raising the aspirations of disadvantaged young people in schools and colleges across the country and supporting their future progression, particularly into higher education.’
Throughout each phase of Uni Connect there is an ongoing evaluation of best practice. This programme has already added substantially to the evidence base around ‘what works’ in higher education outreach and continues to help strengthen future evaluative practice.
Notes
- Uni Connect brings together 29 partnerships of universities, colleges and other local partners to offer activities, advice and information on the benefits and realities of going to university or college.
- Read the latest Uni Connect annual report.
- Read the toolkit, published today, designed to help universities plan activities with schools to raise learners' attainment.
- Read how Uni Connect partnerships will address the new priorities.
- The OfS is opening a consultation on 4 October which looks at how reforms to access and participation regulation requires better working between universities, colleges, schools and charities to address the early and persistent attainment gap.