Select campus:UKDubai
University of Birmingham
Menu
Three school pupils during an activity in the classroom. Other groups of pupils in the background

Raising Aspirations In Secondary Education (RAISE)

Three school pupils during an activity in the classroom. Other groups of pupils in the background

The RAISE programme is a range of fun, interactive lectures, workshops, and competitive quizzes for students in Years 7 to 11. The sessions are designed to motivate and inspire students around particular subjects, and in the long term raise achievement at GCSE.

The programme aims to support secondary school students by raising aspirations and breaking down perceived barriers to higher education. From interactive lectures to big quizzes, the events take place throughout the academic year and are free to attend for schools.

RAISE events are fun and educational, and the content varies by age group. They include lectures, workshops, and quizzes that schools can participate in.

Masterclasses

Every year, our academic and research staff offer a variety of masterclasses designed to inspire curiosity and expand knowledge. Students in Years 7-13 participate in activities, workshops, and lectures that enhance their grasp of specific subjects, ignite their passion for the field, and encourage them to explore further studies in that area.

Quizzes 

Our quizzes are designed to offer students insight into different areas of study and careers.

Schools compete for prizes, trophies, and medals in each round of the quiz, focusing on a different area of the topic. Each school can enter up to six teams (a maximum of four students per team).

Have a look at our 2026 quizzes below and book your team.

Year 9 Arts and Humanities Big Quiz – Monday 8 June 2026

Year 10 Biology Big Quiz – Friday 12 June 2026

Year 8 Health Big Quiz – Tuesday 16 June 2026

 Christmas Lectures: Year 7

  • We offer lectures for Year 7 students that are designed to be fun and educational, and all content will be relevant to the age group
  • Where possible, audience members can help with demonstrations and experiments
  • Schools can bring as many students to these as they wish
  • Schools have the opportunity to attend two lectures on the day

There are usually various lectures on subjects across the arts and humanities as well as the sciences.

Contact us


Questions? Email the team at raise@contacts.bham.ac.uk.