A critical challenge facing Sussex is the persistent inequality in progression to higher education for students eligible for Free School Meals (FSM). Sussex has some of the lowest FSM progression rates nationally, well below the UK average.
To tackle this, the University of Brighton, University of Chichester, and the University of Sussex, working with Sussex Learning Network and the Uni Connect programme, have formed a joint commitment to increase FSM progression to higher education for learners in our region by 5% over the next five years. This Joint Regional Access Target is embedded in our statutory Access and Participation Plans and Uni Connect delivery plans.
We have created a Regional Risk Register, collating a range of data into one dashboard to easily explore the demographic makeup of Sussex’s region, comparing data at school, local authority and national levels. The register can be used to support colleagues in understanding the detailed characteristics and demographic information of our region.
Working with our partners schools and colleges we work collaboratively to:
- Identify and reach the right students with tailored, evidence-informed outreach
- Monitor and evaluate the impact of this work
- Provide detailed reports on student engagement and progression
This work builds on our long-standing Uni Connect and widening participation activity with schools and colleges in Sussex but what’s new is the shared strategic approach across institutions — ensuring students receive a more coherent, coordinated offer with stronger tracking and impact evaluation.
Together, we have an opportunity to change the trajectory for FSM learners in Sussex.
Read about the commitment made by each university in their Access and Participation Plan:
Resources to evaluate equality of opportunity
Office for Student’s national Equality of Opportunity Risk Register (EORR)
The Sutton Trust’s Opportunity Index
Department for Education information on Free School Meals
If you’d like to find out more about this work please contact Charlie Field Davis, Programme Manager at Sussex Learning Network at c.field@sussexlearningnetwork.org.uk.