Launch of initiative to raise pupil aspirations

Posted 14 July 2015

A new higher education network which aims to raise school pupils’ aspirations is being officially launched today.

Harper Adams University is working with a network of partners including The University of Wolverhampton (lead partner) Keele and Staffordshire universities, and Telford College of Arts and Technology, on Explore University.

The initiative will deliver a range of activities and outreach work to support young people’s aspirations and attainment and encourage them to consider higher education.

Explore University will also provide a single point of contact for schools and colleges in South Staffordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and Herefordshire in order for them to find out about outreach activities. A new website will be go live in August.

A launch event takes place this evening at the Gateway @ Shire Hall, the University of Wolverhampton’s Stafford base and advice centre. 

Teachers, partners and education representatives will attend to find out more about the scheme and share ideas. They will also have the opportunity to take part in a guided tour of the historic building.

Jackie Dunne, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Access and Lifelong Learning) at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The University of Wolverhampton and its partners on Explore University are committed to working with schools and colleges to provide access to higher education to all those who can benefit from it. The aim is to help young people to better understand the range of opportunities that are available in higher education, and also to provide some really exciting and fun activities.

“Explore University will ensure that secondary schools and colleges have a simple and clear way of contacting the four universities in order to make arrangements for outreach activity.”

Earlier this year, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) awarded £458,794 to the network to support its outreach work and allow the Explore University to expand its work from primary schools into secondary schools and colleges.

The launch will take place from 5pm-6.30pm. For more information contact Emma Kirkbride, Explore University Co-ordinator, on 01902 322035 or email emma.kirkbride@wlv.ac.uk