Warwick University Doing More to Help Disadvantage People Access Higher Education

As a part of the HEFCE’s new National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP) the University of Warwick is working with nine schools and colleges across seven wards in Warwickshire to increase participation in higher education.

The HEFCE’s new scheme, supported by £60 million per year of funding, aims to increase participation in higher education across England.  It is hoped that the programme will drive a step change in the progression into higher education of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

A large-scale evaluation programme will measure the impact of the programme from the start.  Building a powerful evidence base to ensure that investment is concentrated on the activities that are shown to be the most effective.

Launched last week, the nationwide scheme will see a total of 260 higher education providers in England, collaborating with schools, colleges and other organisations to help more disadvantaged young people into higher education.

The University of Warwick’s Think Higher project aims to develop close partnerships with local schools. Through these partnerships, the university aims to develop a better understanding of the barriers faced by young people in these particular areas, with local context being at the heart of the project. The Think Higher project will develop outreach activity that is responsive to the needs of the local area and can support schools with their work to ensure young people in Warwickshire have access to the higher education opportunities on offer.

Uly Lyons, Principal of King Edward VI College in Nuneaton said “King Edward VI College is very excited to be taking a leading role in the NCOP. We have a long and proud history of helping the young people of Nuneaton progress to university, raising their aspirations and life chances as a result.

I’m confident the project will have a significant impact on ensuring that more young people in the area do fulfil their potential and progress to university. In particular I’m excited about the joined up approach we are taking, ensuring that schools, colleges and universities are all working together in a collaborative way to help students reach their potential and improve the quality of life for themselves, their families and the local area in general.”