STEP HIGHER The story so far...

Aspire-i 30% of IAG client group require further support to take the next step into HE Many of them have potential to engage and upgrade their qualifications

Step Higher Project Funded by Aim Higher Why do adults not take the next step? What are the barriers? e-resource to support advisors

The Contract & Plan Identify 30 adults Explore barriers Undertake 5 visits/information sessions e-resource

Participants Community Organisations Drugs Charity Community Centre Training Provider near Bradford City Centre FE/HE Institutions University of Bradford Thomas Danby College Open University Bradford College Leeds Metropolitan University

Drugs Charity Clients Barriers Long term unemployed Ex offenders Where to get IAG support ? Outdated skills Left school before exams Fears Finance what will it cost How will study affect benefits Need to study way from Bradford too many distractions What if people find out about my past

Community Centre Clients Barriers Where do I find out more information? What are my options for study? Will I be able to afford to study? Application process Fears Image – will I fit in? Will it be like school? Settling in to a new environment. Entry qualifications not good enough Would I cope with the work

City Training Provider Barriers Lack of confidence Lone parents Finance Not been in a learning environment for a long time Fears Time away from family Approaching college for information Too old – all young people Not clever enough Won’t fit in

Case Studies Media Chigarande Catherine Waterman Thomas Danby College

Client Impact & Outcomes Applications to University 1 Applications to College 2 Local learning 10 Raised awareness of FE/HE inc voc routes Increased positive attitudes

Advisors Surveyed a small sample of advisors from nextstep and community centres Advisors are approached by around 2/3 HE students per month. Explored how comfortable advisors felt delivering HE information.

How comfortable did advisors feel delivering the following? Scale of 1-10 (10 being most comfortable)

Advisor Outcomes There were three distinct areas to note: Student Finance Personal Statements Application Process

Overall Outcomes Many clients face a lack of information which acts as a barrier to FE/HE. Advisors and clients would benefit from the e- resource as a central hub of information. Information is there in abundance but need to be selective to make it simpler to use. Promoting support services to client groups is as important as ever.

Key Resource Areas Where to find information about the following highlighted areas: (will be included) Personal Statement info Courses Voluntary work websites Ex-offender information Student finance UCAS Teaching Core Support Services Employer-job links