Both the school and higher education system are entering periods of significant change. With young people facing tough choices about their options for the future, coupled with a significantly scaled back form of careers advice and guidance in large parts of the education system.
As the higher education sector itself also gearing up for a new environment, many institutions are looking at new ways they can engage with the schools system. The Office for Fair Access (OFFA) continues to encourage institutions to work with school pupils from the age of 7 onwards, particularly those from disadvantaged or non-traditional backgrounds. And a number of universities are looking to work in partnership with other institutions in the same region, following the abolition of the AimHigher programme.
A number of universities have become supporters of Academy schools, with some as the principal supporters including the new UCL Academy in London and the Aston University Engineering Academy in Birmingham.
This conference will focus on ways to develop meaningful engagement between universities and the schools system, how challenges over attainment and progression can be overcome, and new models for success.