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Russell Group Teachers and Advisers Conferences

Advancing Access is proud to support the delivery of the Russell Group conferences.

Who we are

Advancing Access offers free CPD resources and events to help teachers guide students toward competitive university choices, focusing on Russell Group universities, especially in underrepresented and remote areas.

Our partnership with the Russell Group

A partnership of 24 Russell Group universities, Advancing Access supports teachers and advisers with high-quality CPD opportunities, including in-school sessions, online events, and resources.

Our Impact

Advancing Access aims to increase underrepresented students' access to Russell Group universities by enhancing teachers' understanding of admission processes and university expectations, with all services provided free of charge.

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Russell Group Teachers’ and Advisors’ Conferences Advancing Access

Russell Group Teachers and Advisers Conferences

Advancing Access is proud to support the delivery of the Russell Group Teachers' and Advisers' conferences, held twice every two years. These CPD conferences are free to attend and bring together all Russell Group university members in one space.

The next Russell Group Teachers and Advisers Conferences are taking place on: 

  • Thursday 4th June 2026 - University of Sheffield
  • Monday 22nd June 2026 - Queen Mary University of London 

These conferences include an Exhibition Hall, featuring all 24 Russell Group universities, as well as a selection of breakout sessions. Both events will follow the same agenda - Teachers and Advisers are invited to attend the event closest to them. 

Find out more and register here
Belfast
Birmingham
Bristol white new
Cambridge
Cardiff
Durham
Edinburgh
Exeter
Glasgow
Imperial
KCL
Leeds
Liverpool
LSE
Manchester
Newcastle
Nottingham
Oxford
QMUL
Russel Group
Sheffield
Southampton
UCL
Warwick
York

Twenty-four Russell Group universities have collaborated to develop Advancing Access. Our university partners are committed to ensuring that learners with the qualifications and determination to succeed at a leading university, can do so, whatever their background.

Discover the Russell Group
Sheffield jessops 16 1 25

Sign up and join our free webinar series

Sign up and join our free webinar series delivered as part of The Sutton Trust's Teacher Champions programme:

  • A series of free webinars for teachers and advisers.
  • Covering key topics related to university applications - writing personal statements, preparing for admissions tests, and more.
  • Providing evidence-based advice from experienced practitioners.
  • All webinars will run twice on weekdays, at 4pm and 6pm. 
Find out more and register now

CPD resources

Discover a wide range of valuable resources tailored to help teachers and advisers guide students through their Higher Education options. Access our professional development (CPD) resources for expert guidance and impactful tools.

Strand One

How do I help my students choose a university and course?

23 CPD Resources
Strand Two

How do I help my students apply to university?

20 CPD Resources
Strand Three

How do admissions processes work?

19 CPD Resources
Strand Four

How do I help students make the right choices for post-16 study?

9 CPD Resources
Strand Five

Resource Navigator: Key Links

2 CPD Resources
View all CPD resources

Case Studies

Our case study videos showcase current students and recent graduates who discuss their journey to and at university. Browse our library of case studies here.

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  • Student
  • University of York
  • +5

Richard : Qualifications - making my subject choices

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  • Student
  • King's College London
  • +6

Daniyel : Qualifications - making my subject choices

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  • Graduate
  • University of Oxford
  • +6

Orin : Qualifications - making my subject choices

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  • Student
  • Newcastle University
  • +6

Josh : Qualifications - making my subject choices

View all case studies

Featured Events

Explore our directory of events offered by our 24 Russell Group partner universities. This includes professional development events for teachers and advisers, as well as outreach opportunities for students. Filter by location or subject to find events that interest you and learn how to register.

Browse all events
University of Cambridge

University of Cambridge - Teachers and Advisers' Webinar Series

  • Online
  • Teacher/Advisor
  • University of Cambridge
Queen Mary Futures Event
–

Queen Mary Futures

  • In-person
  • Student
  • Queen Mary University of London
Leeds campus 28 1 25
–

Leeds Summer Schools

  • In-person
  • Student
  • University of Leeds
University of Leeds Teachers and Advisors Conference
–

University of Leeds Teacher and Advisor Conference

  • In-person
  • Teacher/Advisor
  • University of Leeds
Shutterstock 411939466

Enterprising Futures Academy - Newcastle University

  • Online
  • Teacher/Advisor
  • Newcastle University
London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) 3
–

LSE Empower - Year 12

  • Online
  • Student
  • London School of Economics and Political Science
Untitled 6953
–

LSE Explore - Year 12

  • Online
  • In-person
  • Student
  • London School of Economics and Political Science
Medicine session
–

2026 Online Medicine and Dentistry Summer School

  • Online
  • Student
  • University of Liverpool
  • Newcastle University
  • Queen Mary University of London
Sheffield school group 16 1 25

University of Sheffield Subject Taster Sessions

  • Hybrid
  • Student
  • University of Sheffield
University of London Taster Courses - Year 12 students

University of London Taster Courses - Year 12 students

  • In-person
  • Student
  • University College London (UCL)
  • King's College London
  • Queen Mary University of London

194 Results

  1. events

    University of Cambridge - Teachers and Advisers' Webinar Series

  2. cpd Resources

    Understanding the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) (February 2026)

  3. cpd Resources

    Degree apprenticeships (February 2026)

  4. events

    Queen Mary Futures

  5. events

    Leeds Summer Schools

  6. blog

    Helping Students Write their Future: Lessons from an EPQ Writing Retreat

    In July 2025, the University of Southampton hosted its first EPQ Student Writing Retreat: a dedicated day of academic writing support for students undertaking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Designed to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, the retreat offered students a structured, supportive environment to make meaningful progress on their projects while gaining insight into university life.

  7. events

    University of Leeds Teacher and Advisor Conference

  8. events

    Enterprising Futures Academy - Newcastle University

  9. cpd Resources

    Exploring pathways to Medicine (February 2026)

  10. cpd Resources

    Exploring Pathways to Law (February 2026)

  11. blog

    Why should your students do a Degree Apprenticeship?

    Degree apprenticeships are reshaping how students access high-value careers - combining academic rigour, paid employment and strong graduate outcomes, particularly for students who may not see traditional university routes as accessible.

  12. events

    LSE Empower - Year 12

  13. events

    LSE Explore - Year 12

  14. events

    2026 Online Medicine and Dentistry Summer School

  15. cpd Resources

    Exploring future paths with students - university courses and alternative pathways (January 2026)

  16. cpd Resources

    Contextual admissions - key updates on supporting your students (January 2026)

  17. blog

    How can Russell Group universities address students' concerns around employability?

    Recent research from UCAS (2025) finds that for current students aged 16-18, their biggest concern is employability. How do Russell Group universities address these concerns?

  18. blog

    A guide to university contextual admissions policies

    “Students are so much more than their grades” - a phrase that is becoming more widely recognised, and rightly so. It is this notion that provides the foundation for contextual admissions policies, and cements why we need them.

  19. cpd Resources

    Oxbridge Interviews (November 2025)

  20. cpd Resources

    UCAS: Supporting Fair Access (July 2025)

  21. cpd Resources

    Your guide to TMUA, ESAT and TARA (July 2025)

  22. cpd Resources

    Preparing students for Admissions Tests and Interviews (July 2025)

  23. cpd Resources

    Supporting students with Degree Apprenticeships (July 2025)

  24. cpd Resources

    Supporting Supercurricular Learning (July 2025)

  25. cpd Resources

    Breaking barriers to the Russell Group (July 2025)

  26. cpd Resources

    Pathways to Medicine (July 2025)

  27. cpd Resources

    Keynote Presentation - Supporting students with Personal Statements (July 2025)

  28. cpd Resources

    Medicine and Healthcare Interviews (October 2025)

  29. blog

    New University Admissions Test: TARA (The Test of Academic Reasoning for Admissions)

    UAT-UK, a joint venture between The University of Cambridge and Imperial College London, will be delivering a new non-subject specific admissions test, for 2026 entry and beyond.

  30. blog

    Do you know a care experienced student? Tell them about #TicktheBox

    This National Care Leavers’ Month, The Fostering Network is urging all care-experienced young people to #TickTheBox on their UCAS forms, to let universities know they’ve spent time in care. And this year, we’re calling on teachers to help spread the word.

  31. cpd Resources

    Making Informed Choices at 16 - Activity for Students

  32. cpd Resources

    Personal Statement Catch-up (October 2025)

  33. cpd Resources

    Degree Apprenticeships vs University Degree - Activity for Students

  34. blog

    Writing effective UCAS references

    It’s the beginning of the academic year again, and time to start thinking about UCAS applications! This blog will guide you through the process and provide some top tips on how to write an effective reference.

  35. blog

    Support available at university for SEND students

    This article will explore what support is available for SEND students, and how you can help your students to understand what’s on offer.

  36. blog

    What research says about writing effective UCAS personal statements

    This article aims to summarise three recent studies on the UCAS personal statement, providing a range of practical insights for teachers, advisors and applicants.

  37. blog

    What can Year 1/Year 12 students do over the summer to prepare for writing their personal statements?

    Personal statements have changed for students applying to university for 2026 entry and beyond. So, what will this look like, and what can students do over their summer holiday to best prepare for writing their statement?

  38. cpd Resources

    Preparing for Clearing - Activity for Students

  39. cpd Resources

    Preparing for your Personal Statement - Activity for Students

  40. events

    University of Sheffield Subject Taster Sessions

  41. blog

    How universities can support your pre-16 students

    For pre-16 students, higher education can feel like a long way off - and they’re not wrong! But introducing them to the idea of higher education as early as possible (often before they’ve even considered it) can provide significant value.

  42. blog

    How Russell Group universities support students with parenting responsibilities - and how you can too

    75% of student parents say that higher education has been positive for themselves and their families - but this group faces significant barriers to accessing university. This article discusses how teachers and advisers can best support student parents, and highlights the resources available at Russell Group universities.

  43. cpd Resources

    How to make the most of Higher Education Fairs

  44. cpd Resources

    Supporting students with new Personal Statement guidance

  45. cpd Resources

    Personal Statement Marking Checklist

  46. blog

    How the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) drives social mobility and university success

    This article examines research which highlights the emerging impact of the EPQ on progression to higher education (HE) and university success, with particularly promising findings for underrepresented and marginalised students.

  47. blog

    How to prepare your students for Medicine Interviews (MMIs)

    The thought of an interview can be daunting for many students. The thought of multiple interviews can seem a lot worse.

  48. blog

    Supporting your students with Law Course interviews

    University interviews can be daunting for students, especially when it’s their first time applying for a competitive course like Law.

  49. blog

    Working in Partnership to Diversify Our Student Body: Collaboration with the University of Exeter and The Elephant Group (TEG)

    As representatives of the University of Exeter, we were excited to present at the Neon conference on our partnership with The Elephant Group (TEG) to diversify our student body.

  50. cpd Resources

    Using league tables

  51. cpd Resources

    Sources of information

  52. cpd Resources

    Degree Apprenticeships at Russell Group Universities

  53. blog

    UCAS Update: Key Changes for Teachers and Advisers to Support Students in 2025 and Beyond

    As educators and advisers, keeping up with the latest developments in the university application process is essential to effectively guide students.

  54. case Studies

    Richard

    Richard, an Economics and Finance student at the University of York, discusses how he chose his GCSEs and A-levels, his study motivations, and offers advice on selecting qualifications.

  55. case Studies

    Daniyel

    Daniyel, a Law student at King’s College London, shares how he chose his subjects and offers advice on qualifications and personal statements.

  56. case Studies

    Orin

    Orin, studied Law at the University of Oxford, shares how her GCSEs influenced her A-level choices and decision to attend university. She also offers advice on selecting qualifications.

  57. case Studies

    Josh

    Josh, a Computer Science student at the University of Newcastle, shares how he chose his A-levels, offers advice on university applications, and reflects on valuable lessons for future students.

  58. case Studies

    Mayowa

    Mayowa studies English Literature at King's College London. She shares her university application journey, her enjoyment of university life, and valuable advice for choosing a course and university.

  59. case Studies

    Mayowa

    Mayowa, studying English Literature at King's College London, discusses her GCSE and A-Level subject choices, offering advice for students on making informed decisions.

  60. case Studies

    Sarah

    Sarah, a Biochemistry graduate from Birmingham, discusses how university aided her transition to employment and shares valuable insights for choosing the right career path.

  61. case Studies

    Samra

    Samra, a Medicine student at the University of Liverpool, shares how she chose her course, the value of her work experience, and advice on overcoming barriers. She also offers tips for applying to study medicine.

  62. case Studies

    Jackson

    Jackson, a Theatre and Performance Studies student at the University of Bristol, shares his insights on choosing qualifications, the significance of enjoying your subjects, and how bursaries and scholarships influenced his university decision.

  63. case Studies

    Eireann

    Eireann, an English and Education graduate from Cambridge, shares how a summer school helped her decide on university and her course. She also offers advice on selecting the right university.

  64. case Studies

    Gemma

    Gemma, a Communication and Media student at the University of Leeds, explains how an access course helped her and shares thoughts on university as a path for everyone.

  65. case Studies

    Amy

    Amy, an English Language graduate from the University of Glasgow, shares how she chose her university course, why she selected Glasgow, and her experience with scholarships.

  66. case Studies

    Billie-Jo

    Billie-Joe, studying Social Work and Geography at Queen's University Belfast, shares how she chose her GCSE subjects, what she enjoyed in A-Level, and offers advice for subject consideration.

  67. case Studies

    Billie-Jo

    Billie-Joe discusses her university life, sharing advice for care leavers, her motivation for studying social work, extracurricular involvement, and the benefits she gained as a student.

  68. case Studies

    Hamid

    Hamid studies Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at LSE. He discusses his career aspirations, factors influencing his course choice, and how summer schools shaped his university decision.

  69. case Studies

    Billie-Jo

    Billie-Joe, studying Social Work and Geography at Queen's University Belfast, shares his university selection process, reasons for choosing Belfast, and helpful advice for others.

  70. case Studies

    Bishoy

    Bishoy shares his journey in choosing a university and course, highlighting the significance of aligning his degree with career goals and evaluating different options.

  71. case Studies

    Sophie

    Sophie discusses her journey to studying Law at Sheffield, covering her decision-making process, considerations for open days, and advice on personal statements.

  72. case Studies

    Fatima

    Fatima, studying Dentistry at Cardiff University, shares her journey, emphasising diverse work experiences, teacher support during applications, and the benefits of attending a Russell Group University.

  73. case Studies

    Khima

    Khima, a Law student at the University of Edinburgh, shares how he chose his A-Levels and how his dream job influenced those decisions.

  74. case Studies

    Sophie

    Sophie, a law student at Sheffield, shares her experiences with GCSEs and offers valuable advice for selecting A-Level subjects based on her personal choices.

  75. case Studies

    Saif

    Saif, a graduate in Accounting and Finance from Manchester, discusses choosing a university and course, highlighting the benefits of access schemes in decision-making.

  76. case Studies

    Saif

    Saif, a graduate in Accounting and Finance from Manchester, shares how his degree aided his career at Enterprise and offers tips for securing a graduate job.

  77. case Studies

    Bishoy

    Bishoy, studying Aerospace Engineering at Southampton, reflects on his university experience, highlighting the skills gained and what he enjoyed most about student life.

  78. case Studies

    Onome

    Onome, a Chemical Engineering graduate from Imperial College London, discusses his summer school experience, course highlights, and what mattered when applying for jobs after his masters.

  79. case Studies

    Khima

    Khima discusses his motivation for studying law at Edinburgh, highlights the city's appeal, and shares tips for open days.

  80. case Studies

    Habiba

    Habiba, studying Maths at Queen Mary University, discusses her course selection factors, extracurricular activities, and shares valuable advice for choosing the right university.

  81. case Studies

    Richard

    Richard, an Economics and Finance student at the University of York, shares his university life experience, highlighting extracurricular activities and how they prepared him for future employment.

  82. case Studies

    Nathan

    Nathan, an English student at Exeter, shares why he chose his course, the benefits of a gap year, and offers advice on selecting a university subject.

  83. case Studies

    Matt

    Matt, a Linguistics student at UCL, shares how he chose his GCSE subjects, the skills that supported his studies, and offers advice for selecting subjects.

  84. case Studies

    Saif

    Saif, a graduate in Accounting and Finance from Manchester, shares insights on making subject choices, emphasising how his GCSE experience influenced his A-Level decisions.

  85. case Studies

    Jess

    Jess discusses her Sociology experience at Durham, highlighting involvement opportunities, the benefits of university, and advice for those considering applying to higher education.

  86. case Studies

    Gemma

    Gemma, a Communication and Media student at the University of Leeds, shares her experiences navigating university life with a disability and the opportunities she found.

  87. case Studies

    Nathan

    Nathan, an English student at the University of Exeter, discusses challenges he faced transitioning to A-levels and shares insights that helped him realise he could attend university.

  88. case Studies

    Habiba

    Habiba, studying Maths at Queen Mary University, shares how her future plans influenced her GCSE choices and offers valuable advice for making subject selections.

  89. case Studies

    Fatima

    Fatima, studying Dentistry at Cardiff University, shares her insights on excelling in studies, the A-Level transition, and the importance of keeping her subject choices open for future opportunities.

  90. case Studies

    Khima

    In this case study, Khima, a Law student at the University of Edinburgh, talks about how getting involved in extra-curricular activities made her university experience even better.

  91. case Studies

    Amy

    Amy, an English Language graduate from the University of Glasgow, offers advice on subject choices, succeeding at highers, overcoming challenges, and her decision to pursue a postgraduate course.

  92. events

    University of London Taster Courses - Year 12 students

  93. blog

    How important are admissions tests and why do universities use them?

    This year, Imperial College London and the University of Cambridge established a joint venture to deliver two admissions tests.

  94. cpd Resources

    Crafting Confidence for Interview Triumph (March 2024)

  95. cpd Resources

    Results Day Resilience: Preparing Students for Clearing (March 2024)

  96. cpd Resources

    Demystifying Russell Group Universities - Because "Not for me" is a myth (March 2024)

  97. cpd Resources

    Maximising University Outreach Schemes for Ultimate Impact (March 2024)

  98. blog

    Supporting LGBTQ+ students to progress to selective universities

    This article will discuss different barriers which LGBTQ+ students may face, and tools we can effectively use to dismantle these barriers.

  99. blog

    Should you be helping your students to use Chat GPT for their UCAS Personal Statements?

    We know students are using Chat GPT for their Personal Statements, right?

  100. blog

    Updates and Upcoming Events

    Within this blog, you will find an introduction to the new Advancing Access team, information on how Advancing Access can support you as well as upcoming opportunities to get involved in!

  101. blog

    Are Degree Apprenticeships a modern choice for students?

    Degree apprenticeships continue to rise in popularity and appeal across all industry sectors.

  102. cpd Resources

    How do admissions processes work?

  103. cpd Resources

    How do I help my students choose a university and course?

  104. blog

    What impact will the NHS Long Term Workforce Plan have on universities and our students?

    The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan aims to drastically increase the number of education and training places available in healthcare professions.

  105. cpd Resources

    How do I help my students apply to university?

  106. cpd Resources

    Academic reference writing - top tips

  107. blog

    Receiving and responding to university offers

    Students are bound to feel the pressure when they receive offers and the choice is in their hands.

  108. blog

    What accommodation is available for university students and how much does it cost?

    With housing shortages, rising prices and varying application processes, it’s no wonder that students find the prospect of arranging accommodation at university daunting.

  109. blog

    What changes are UCAS making to references and personal statements?

    You may have seen reports in the media recently that UCAS are planning on making changes to the undergraduate application process.

  110. blog

    What are Access and Participation Plans?

    You may have heard different universities talk about their ‘Access and Participation Plans’ (or APPs).

  111. blog

    Building confidence to help students prepare for university interviews

    With the right preparation, students can approach university interviews with confidence and turn what might be a daunting experience into an enjoyable one.

  112. blog

    What is Oxplore and how can your students make use of it?

    In October 2017 the University of Oxford made its first foray into digital outreach with the launch of Oxplore.org.

  113. blog

    Having conversations with parents and carers about Higher Education

    You will be familiar with talking to parents and carers of students to support attainment and learning.

  114. cpd Resources

    How do I help my students make the right choices for post-16 study?

  115. blog

    Helping students to prepare for admissions tests

    Admissions tests allow students to be academically stretched and assessed and enable universities to distinguish those individuals with the most ability.

  116. cpd Resources

    Teacher and adviser reflection - helping students make the right choices for post-16 study

  117. cpd Resources

    Researching post-16 study options - activity for students

  118. cpd Resources

    Presentation notes - helping your students make the right study choices

  119. cpd Resources

    Presentation slides - helping your students make the right study choices

  120. cpd Resources

    Key stage 4 and 5 choices - myth-busting

  121. cpd Resources

    Which qualifications will enable your students to progress to Russell Group universities?

  122. cpd Resources

    Responding to university decisions - worksheet B

  123. cpd Resources

    Responding to university decisions - worksheet A

  124. cpd Resources

    Responding to university decisions - activity instructions

  125. cpd Resources

    Teacher and adviser reflection - understanding admissions processes

  126. cpd Resources

    Alternative routes into competitive universities

  127. cpd Resources

    Contextual admissions processes at Russell Group universities

  128. cpd Resources

    Presentation notes - Supporting students through the application process

  129. cpd Resources

    Presentation slides - supporting students through the application process

  130. cpd Resources

    Top tips for supporting students who do not have a confirmed place

  131. cpd Resources

    Admissions processes - myth-busting

  132. cpd Resources

    Admissions glossary

  133. cpd Resources

    Teacher and adviser reflection - helping students apply to university

  134. cpd Resources

    Supporting personal statement writing - activity for students

  135. cpd Resources

    Supporting students with disabilities

  136. cpd Resources

    Applying to medicine – quick reference sheet

  137. cpd Resources

    Applying to highly selective courses - quick reference sheet

  138. cpd Resources

    Developing your students’ skills and knowledge prior to application

  139. cpd Resources

    Choosing a university and course - part two, activity worksheet

  140. cpd Resources

    Choosing a university and course - part one, activity instructions

  141. cpd Resources

    Teacher and adviser reflection - helping my students choose a university and course

  142. cpd Resources

    Home or Away? Weighing up the pros and cons of leaving home for university (student profiles)

  143. cpd Resources

    Presentation notes - How do I help my students choose a university and course?

  144. cpd Resources

    Life on a university campus

  145. cpd Resources

    Benefits of a Russell Group University

  146. blog

    A guide to the new UCAS questions for 2023 entry onwards

    You may have heard by now that there are some new questions on the UCAS application for students applying to enter HE from 2023 onwards.

  147. cpd Resources

    Super-curricular activity guide

  148. cpd Resources

    Bursaries and scholarships - what are your students entitled to? (March 2022)

  149. blog

    Making effective use of destinations data

    How well is your school or college doing in terms of the proportion of students who progress to HE.

  150. blog

    How should we be measuring disadvantage?

    The reality of working in education is that resources are limited and must be targeted.

  151. blog

    Applying to Law courses in Scotland

    Are you supporting students who may be interested in studying law in Scotland?

  152. blog

    Why should your students study humanities and social sciences?

    The study of humans, especially in an ever changing world, has been an intriguing area for many years and has always been of immense value – now perhaps even more than ever before.

  153. blog

    What are super-curricular activities - and how can your students use them?

    Super-curricular activities can include anything your students do outside of the curriculum related to the subject(s) they are interested in.

  154. blog

    Will Russell Group universities accept T levels?

    The Government is currently in the process of reforming level 3 qualifications in England and new T Level qualifications are seen as the centrepiece of these reforms.

  155. cpd Resources

    Russell Group bursary guide

  156. blog

    Supporting Black students to progress to selective universities

    In the UK, there is a growing desire to ‘level-up’ or widen participation of young people accessing higher education.

  157. cpd Resources

    Home or Away? Weighing up the pros and cons of leaving home for university (quiz activity)

  158. cpd Resources

    Presentation slides - How do I help my students choose a university and course?

  159. blog

    Do disadvantaged students really have lower higher education aspirations?

    Recently there has been a lot of discussion around disadvantaged pupils and specifically the low attainment of white working class students.

  160. cpd Resources

    UCAS for beginners: Top tips and insight into university admissions and the UCAS application process (June 2021)

  161. blog

    Supporting mature students to apply to university

    Prospective mature students who are considering making Higher Education applications face various issues to navigate.

  162. blog

    Supporting students with disabilities to access Higher Education

    Supporting students with disabilities to access university may feel overwhelming - the processes are different to those in schools or colleges.

  163. blog

    Supporting estranged students to progress to competitive universities

    An estranged student, according to the charity Stand Alone, is a young person who is, or will be, “studying without the support and approval of a family network.”

  164. blog

    Go Abroad: Who, Where, When, Why, How? 

    With the Turing Scheme coming in this year, new opportunities for students from all backgrounds to have an international adventure are emerging.

  165. blog

    Supporting students without family contact

    Lack of family support during adolescent years can cause serious challenges with practical matters such as accessing funding and accommodation.

  166. blog

    How to ensure students make the most of the support available at university

    As a disabled student from a single-parent, low-income household, taking advantage of all the university support available to me was imperative to enable me to make the most of HE.

  167. blog

    Exam grades for summer 2021 in England and the impact on students applying to HE

    Last year, the government saw a backlash from students, teachers and parents as their commissioned exam grade algorithm came under criticism.

  168. blog

    Can students studying vocational qualifications progress to competitive universities?

    Even in 2021, there are still myths surrounding post-16 vocational qualifications and the possibility for students to progress from these qualifications onto higher education (HE).

  169. blog

    How much does university really cost?

    There are a large number of misconceptions about the true cost of university. Some of these misconceptions overestimate the cost, while others underestimate it.

  170. blog

    Exploring Foundation Years at highly selective universities and supporting applicants

    Foundation Years are increasingly common at universities in the UK. The University of Cambridge recently announced the launch of its first and existing programmes.

  171. blog

    Bucking the trend - supporting more disadvantaged students to progress to university

    Even in such politically polarised times there’s one thing which politicians of all stripes can agree on: action is needed to enable more disadvantaged students to progress to the UK’s top universities.

  172. cpd Resources

    Home or Away? Weighing up the pros and cons of leaving home for university (PowerPoint quiz activity)

  173. blog

    What is Clearing Plus and how can your students make use of it?

    Following on from last year’s ‘self-release’ function, UCAS have released a new feature called Clearing Plus which will be available from early July until the end of August.

  174. blog

    How can I best support students applying for 2021 entry to make decisions on universities and courses?

    It’s that time of year when we would normally be rolling out the well-practised routine of HE Fairs, UCAS Exhibitions and Open Days for students applying for university entry in 2021.

  175. blog

    Why subject choice could be the key to increasing participation in higher education

    As a working class minority ethnic undergraduate student, I noticed the lack of representation on my ancient history course, but it wasn’t until I started my role as a Widening Participation Graduate Intern.

  176. blog

    Supporting service children in their progression to Higher Education

    ‘Service children’ or children from ‘military families’ are the terms used to refer to children in schools or colleges with a parent or parents who currently serve in the armed forces or have served in the last six years.

  177. blog

    What sources of financial support are available for students at age 16?

    The percentage of 16-17 year olds recorded in education and training within England, as at March 2019, was 93%.

  178. blog

    Moving beyond the insurance myth: supporting your students to choose the university that’s right for them

    As the January 15 UCAS deadline has passed and universities across the country are busy processing offers.

  179. blog

    What types of outreach activities and programmes can my students take part in?

    Over the last five years there has been a spike in university outreach activities and programmes available for secondary schools and colleges to partake in.

  180. blog

    Supporting looked after Children to progress to University

    With as little as 12% of care leavers entering higher education we should all be looking at ways in which we can support looked after children (LaC) from an early age.

  181. blog

    Supporting your students to get the most out of HE/UCAS fairs and undergraduate open days

    Choosing which path to pursue after sixth form or college can be a stressful time for students.

  182. blog

    How my experiences of a Widening Participation Programme helped me transition into university life

    Taking part in a Widening Participation programme was one of the best things I decided to do over the summer of 2017.

  183. blog

    Discover 'Discover Uni'

    The Office for Students has launched a new website for prospective students called Discover Uni.

  184. blog

    Student account of her journey to Higher Education

    Students usually begin the process of applying for university in the last two years of school and teachers play a key role in supporting this process.

  185. blog

    Confessions of a Clearing call handler

    As someone who has answered hundreds of phone calls in the past from students on A level results day.

  186. blog

    Changing the way students can access careers advice

    Two new apps have been released by the Universities Minister in a bid to simplify the wealth of information surrounding university and career choices for students.

  187. blog

    How Informed Choices can help support access to Russell Group universities

    the Russell Group launched a new interactive website to host its Informed Choices guide.

  188. blog

    Access to the Professions: Inspiring and engaging students in secondary state schools

    In this post, Anais Banag, a fourth-year law student at Edinburgh Law School, shares her experience of being involved with ‘Access to the Professions’.

  189. blog

    Degree Apprenticeships at leading universities

    One of the subjects we’ve been asked about most just recently is Degree Apprenticeships. What are they? Are they right for your students? And how do your students apply for them?

  190. blog

    UKCAT is now called UCAT – has anything else changed?

    The name of the test which many universities require applicants to take for their medical and dental degree programmes has changed from the UKCAT (United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test) to the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test).

  191. blog

    The Hidden Benefits of Higher Education

    When encouraging young people to pursue higher education, in whatever form that might be, we’re often faced with a barrage of questions asking how, and more importantly why, they should do so.

  192. blog

    Which are the best sources of online information for you and your students?

    We hope that you find our free Advancing Access resources useful. As we are not the only provider of higher education advice and information, we thought that we would present you with a summary of some of the best other sources.

  193. blog

    What is POLAR and how does it differ from other measures of disadvantage?

    If ever there’s a situation where universities and schools are talking a different language when it comes to a given topic, we see part of our job as being the interpreter.

  194. blog

    Welcome to the Advancing Access blog!

    The first article in a blog is rarely the most interesting one – I dare say that this will be no exception…