The Outreach team has a focus on working with state schools and colleges in the West Midlands to raise aspirations and improve guidance and motivation amongst local students in order to widen participation in Higher Education. We seek to provide impartial information and advice to support subject choice for GCSE and A level options and future Higher Education progression. We also work with teachers and advisors so that they can provide appropriate guidance to their students. For those whom progression to a research intensive university, and in particular progression to the University of Birmingham, is an option we also manage the University’s flagship Access to Birmingham Scheme (A2B).
When selecting students for participation in activity, we ask schools to give priority to students who are currently under represented in Higher Education and who have the potential to progress to university. This would include:-
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Students with no parental history of Higher Education
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Students eligible for Free School Meals or in receipt of the 16-19 bursary
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Students who live in postcodes where there are low progression rates to Higher Education and a high index of multiple deprivation
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Students with disabilities or who have been in local authority care
We have a wide and comprehensive range of activities which are available free of charge including:
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Raising Aspirations in Secondary Education (RAISE) a programme of events throughout the year for years 7-12
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On campus school visits – we will tailor a programme to suit the age and interests of your pupils
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Attendance at guidance and progression evenings
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Talks in schools and colleges on the benefits of Higher Education, Student Life, How to Apply, A2B, Finance and Support
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Health Professions Summer School – for year 10 students interested in the Health and Life Sciences where they can stay in our Halls of Residence and experience life as a student
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Academic Enrichment Programme – for year 12 students aiming to apply for a selective research university
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Masterclasses
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Academic and Progression Mentoring
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Access to Birmingham (A2B)
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Primary Engagement Programme
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Online resource www.skills4uni.bham.ac.uk to support project work
For full details of our Outreach activities and how to arrange them, please have a look at our new Outreach Activities Guide (PDF 437KB).
We are a member of the local Aimhigher Partnership where we work with Aston University, Birmingham City University and University College Birmingham to deliver a range of partnership activity in Birmingham and Solihull for the benefit of Aimhigher partner schools and colleges. Further details can be found at www.aimhigherwm.ac.uk
We are also member of the Realising Opportunities pilot programme involving 11 other research intensive universities. Further details can be found at www.realisingopportunities.ac.uk
Contact us
Outreach Office
Telephone: +44 (0)121 414 6722
Email: outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk