Widening Participation in Higher Education is crucial for allowing all students access to opportunities to succeed and flourish, particularly for groups currently underrepresented. According to the Department of Education’s 2019/20 Report, there has been an increase of 26.6% in the progression rate for Free School Meal pupils. However, the gap in progression rates between Free School Meals and non-Free School Meal pupils has grown to 19%. This is the largest increase since 2005/6 and reflects the escalating difficulties for pupils accessing Higher Education.

Challenges to participating in Higher Education are linked with student characteristics including gender, special educational need status, region and first language. The 2019/20 Report also highlighted that Black Caribbean pupils are the least likely ethnic group to progress to higher education by age 19, at a progression rate of less than half the overall national rate.

Widening Participation in Higher Education 2022 will examine key strategies for tackling inequality in higher education and how to transform opportunities for disadvantaged and under-represented groups. It will feature the latest guidance and research on key topics such as changes in the admissions process and evidence of which interventions are most effective at tackling inequality and improving access. There will be case studies from leading universities that have been award-winning in widening their access and participation.

We're delighted that research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies puts our partners, the University of East London, in the top 10 universities for social mobility – putting those with disadvantaged backgrounds into top earning careers.

We have a limited number of sponsored speaking and branding opportunities available. Complete the partnership enquiry form or email [email protected] for more information.

Unable to make the date? All sessions will be recorded and available to watch on demand for 30 days after the event date.