The role of teachers, senior leadership teams and advisors is crucial in supporting students and potential students to access Higher Education. Whether supporting someone by raising attainment, helping them to make informed choices, or by providing practical information and advice, at Go Higher West Yorkshire we have resources which can help.
The information and links below have been compiled to assist you to help support learners’ attainment and aspirations, inform their choices about courses and careers, and guide them through the application process on their journey to Higher Education. This includes the OfS Uni Connect Programme Outreach Hub – helping schools and colleges access the higher education outreach they need.
The journey started in schools, colleges and universities, doesn’t end at graduation.
Exposure to the world of work is key to developing employability skills and securing a job.
That’s why we work collaboratively with employers and industry experts, supporting our partners to equip their students for the changing economy.
Go Higher West Yorkshire: reducing inequalities in access to, success in and progression from Higher Education.
GHWY is backing the #ProtectStudentChoice campaign, which is concerned about the Government’s decision to phase out BTEC qualifications.
BTECs are currently a significant route that students from non-traditional backgrounds use to enter HE and there are major concerns that their withdrawal will leave many without a viable pathway after their GCSEs, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Sixteen-year-olds in England can currently choose between three types of Level 3 qualification: academic qualifications such as A levels, technical qualifications that lead to a specific occupation, and applied general qualifications such as BTECs that combine academic learning with the development of practical skills.
Under the Government’s proposals, this would be replaced with a two-route model of A levels and T levels (a new suite of technical qualifications), where most young people pursue one of these qualifications at the age of 16.
The proposals would result in funding for the majority of BTECs being removed. This is despite them being popular with students and respected by employers and universities. They can be studied alongside, or instead of, A levels and provide an important alternative to T levels.
The campaign has been launched by a coalition of 18 organisations that represent and support staff and students in schools, colleges and universities. Read its joint position statement and its joint letter to the Secretary of State for Education.
Further information, and a petition against the proposals, can be found at Protect Student Choice.