Uni Connect national success with aim to support raising attainment
A national evaluation of Uni Connect’s work to raise attainment in schools has demonstrated high levels of satisfaction among schools. The evaluation, which was commissioned by the OfS and carried out by Ipsos UK, focuses on Uni Connect’s partnerships attainment-raising activities in schools.
Key findings include:
- All activities received a high percentage of very satisfied/satisfised ratings from schools surveyed as part of the evaluation.
- Activities focused on study skills, non-academic barriers, and the ways learners can self-monitor and purposefully direct their learning, ranked the highest with 94 per cent, 93 per cent, and 96 per cent satisfaction respectively.
- Of those surveyed, 91 per cent agreed/strongly agreed that it would lead to improved confidence.
John Blake, Director for Fair Access and Participation at the OfS, said:
‘This evaluation shows that the attainment-raising activities undertaken as part of the Uni Connect programme so far have been well received by schools. We know that investing in intervention in earlier phases of education takes patience, as it will take years for the full effects to become clear, but we’re encouraged that participating schools felt that learners were showing improvements in confidence, engagement, motivation and ambition, and the development of new skills.
‘Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds may have less chance to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to progress into higher education, or to achieve grades that reflect their potential. Our aim is that everyone with the talent and desire to benefit from higher education can do so, regardless of their background or where they come from.’
The Sussex Learning Network is working with two schools on targeted attainment raising programmes as part of the national Uni Connect attainment raising strand. Our evaluation of this local work will be shared with partners next school year.
Read the report here.