School and college students consistently report that ‘getting the grades’ is one of their main concerns about progressing to university – and they are not wrong. Research has shown that GCSE grades are a key predictor for accessing higher education. Although this might seem like straightforward common sense the reasons for differences in attainment between certain groups of students are not straightforward at all. For example, amongst school students there is a significant attainment gap for those who qualify for free school meals as the EEF reported in 2018.

Our speakers include John Blake, Director of Access and Participation. Office for Students Professor Nicola Ingram, Director of the Education and Social Research Institute, Manchester Metropolitan University; Professor Mary Stuart, Director of Leadership Development, Minerva; Dr Anna Anthony, Senior Analyst, HEAT; Sheree Palmer, Head of Access and Participation, Manchester University and of course NERUPI Members sharing their work.

We have a great programme lined-up combining opportunities to:

• explore how wider inequalities affect educational success
• hear the latest news from the OfS
• find out about attainment-raising outreach activities from other NERUPI members
• identify the key factors for successful partnership activities
• take part in practical sessions to support planning, delivery and evaluation

Download the Convention programme: Convention 22 Programme

Bookings are now closed for the NERUPI Convention 2022

References

• The Attainment Gap. Education endowment Foundation (2017)
• Ball, S. (2010) New class inequalities in education: Why education policy may be looking in the wrong place!
• Office for Students access and participation data dashboard