Launch for initiative to raise pupil aspirations

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

The University of Wolverhampton is leading a network of partners including Keele, Staffordshire and Harper Adams 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 and a new website will be going live in August.

A launch event will take place on Tuesday 14 July 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 for 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

ENDS

For media inquiries, please contact Emma Pugh in the University of Wolverhampton’s Media Relations Office on 01902 32 2736.