Widening Participation and the ATPEmma Stephenson – April 2014

In this session we will look at:

• what WP is• why it matters• why it is so hard to achieve• how you can contribute through the ATP

What is WP?

A working definition:

Increasing the number of students in higher education who come from groups that are currently under-represented in HE.

A work in progress:

To raise attainment and aspirations and to improve the understanding of higher education among those with the potential to benefit from HE but whose progression is less likely than that of others.

What is WP?

Evening up the playing field for:• Students with disabilities• Students from non-privileged backgrounds• Students from some ethnic minorities• Students who have been in public care• Students from poorly performing schools• Students from low-participation neighbourhoods

This area for large pictures/charts/tables,etc with one line captioning.

HEFCE report – Trends in young participation in higher education ref: Oct 2013/28

9%pts on 51% is a 17.6% rise

7%pts on 13% is a 53.8% rise

There are two linked issues:• Widening Participation• Fair Access Royal Academy of Music

Courtauld Institute of ArtRoyal College of MusicRoyal Agricultural CollegeThe University of OxfordThe University of CambridgeGuildhall School of Music and DramaUniversity of DurhamThe University of BristolImperial College of Science, Technology and MedicineUniversity College LondonThe University of ExeterLondon School of Economics and Political ScienceThe University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne

More than 30% private school entry by young full-time first degree entrants in 2011/12

Why it matters

Education is the most powerful tool we have in achieving social justice.John Denham, Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills - Oct 2008

Why it’s so hard to achieve• Attainment• Aspirations• Advice

Report to the National Council for Educational ExcellenceIncreasing higher education participation amongst disadvantaged young people and schools in poor communities. (October 2008)

WP and the ATPHow you can contribute through the ATP

Activities that will help raise aspirations and awareness of higher education among the target groups.

WP and the ATPHow you can contribute through the ATP

• act as a good role model• provide accurate information• explore the realities of university life • explore the elements that contribute to the decision to go (or not)• allow your pupils to frame the questions• sign post pupils to sources of information

“Meeting the students was fun, they weren’t snobby and they speak the truth about university in our language.”

John aged 15

So, go forth and ‘speak the truth’

Any questions?