Virtual Conference
Explore our free Teachers and Advisers Virtual Conferences, featuring expert-led webinars and an exhibition hall to enrich your CPD online.
Webinars
Advancing Access Webinars
From time to time we deliver free one-off webinars for teachers and careers advisers on our website. Our Spring 2025 series is open for registration now, see details and sign up below!
Live CPD Webinar Series 2025
We are hosting a free webinar series for teachers and advisers from February to March 2025, covering topics relating to Higher Education and University admissions. Check out our upcoming webinars below.
Upcoming Webinars
Unlocking skills and mobility through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Wednesday 12th February 2025, 15:30-16:30
This webinar offers teachers and advisers a comprehensive overview of the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification), focusing on its benefits and how it’s viewed by universities like the Russell Group. We’ll explore the EPQ’s impact on skills development, social mobility, and how it’s valued by OFSTED and the Office for Students (OfS). Plus, hear from EPQ Coordinator and Senior Tutor at Ashton Sixth Form College as she shares her insights on how the EPQ has helped students succeed.
Delivered by Katrina Lueddeke, Academic Skills Manager at University of Southampton & Rachel Allen, EPQ Coordinator and Senior Tutor at Ashton Sixth Form College
Exploring future paths with students
Thursday 13th February 2025, 15:30-16:30
This webinar will guide teachers and advisers on how to support students in exploring and choosing the right path for their future, with a focus on Russell Group Universities (RGIs). We’ll discuss how to select the right degree course, including combined degrees, joint honours, and degree apprenticeships. We’ll also cover alternative entry options for students such as foundation years and gateway courses. Additionally, we’ll explore admissions criteria, entry requirements, qualification types accepted by RGIs, and options like contextual offers and widening participation programmes.
Delivered by Laura Whitelock, Access and Outreach Officer at University of York & Josh Shapland, Widening Participation Officer at University of Bristol
Supporting students with new Personal Statement guidance
Wednesday 5th March 2025, 15:30-16:30
This webinar will provide teachers and advisers with essential guidance on the new Personal Statement format for Russell Group Universities (RGIs). We’ll cover the recent changes and what they mean for students, including the practicalities of the new character count and how to approach the updated questions. We'll also bust common myths about the process and highlight what universities expect to see in a competitive personal statement, including examples of strong and weak statements. Additionally, we’ll explore how RGIs use Personal Statements for different courses and discuss contextual factors such as sports that may not be captured elsewhere in the UCAS application.
Delivered by David Metcalfe, Student Recruitment Co-ordinator at Newcastle University
How do I design a programme of impactful encounters with Russell Group Universities?
Wednesday 12th March 2025, 15:30-16:30
This webinar will guide teachers and advisers on how to design a programme of impactful encounters with Russell Group Universities (RGIs). We’ll explore how to structure encounters throughout the year, from open days and workshops to student panels and application support. Learn how to collaborate with RGIs for tailored events, maximise student engagement, and track progress to ensure your students are well-prepared for the university application process and confident in their choices.
Delivered by Venita Chahal, Project Manager at Advancing Access
Helping students navigate the student finance process in England
Thursday 13th March 2025, 15:30-16:30
This webinar will provide teachers and advisers with the latest updates on student loans, including changes to funding, repayment terms, and eligibility. We’ll cover key information about tuition fees, maintenance loans, and how these updates affect both current and future students. Learn how to guide students through the application process, manage their finances, and understand the new rules around repayment, ensuring they have the information needed to make informed financial decisions for their university journey.
Delivered by Ahmar Ehsan, Funding Information Services Account Manager at Student Loans Company
Contextual Admissions: Key updates for supporting your students
Wednesday 26th March 2025, 15:30-16:30
This webinar will provide teachers and advisers with essential updates on contextual admissions in higher education. We’ll explain what they are, why they matter, and key terms like IMD and Polar. Learn about the support available for students who qualify, including transition, post-arrival aid, and widening participation programmes. Discover how teachers can guide students through this process and the impact of contextual offers.
Delivered by Damon Ghasemi, University of Sheffield & Jamie Graney, Hybrid Delivery Manager at University of Liverpool
Previous webinars
Preparing students for university with outreach programmes
Wednesday 1st March 2023, 4pm – 5pm
This session will look at widening participation outreach programmes available across the Russell Group. It will focus on eligibility criteria, the benefits of participating (including possible lower entry grades) and how teachers and advisers can encourage students to get involved. Three Russell Group universities will provide further details of the opportunities available at their institutions, highlighting key application dates and deadlines.
Delivered by Paul Martin, Project Manager at Advancing Access, Denise Brooks, Senior Access Development Officer at the University of Sheffield, Sarah Patterson, Student Recruitment Office Coordinator at Newcastle University and Abby Harrison, Access and Outreach Recruitment Manager at the University of York
Supporting students to choose a university and course
Monday 6th March 2023, 4pm – 5pm
With over 50,000 courses at over 295 higher education institutions in the UK, choosing the right course or institution can be overwhelming for students. This webinar will take a look at the different types of higher education institution and the varied ways that courses can be delivered. There will also be suggestions on how to compare similar courses or institutions and a chance to have your questions answered.
Delivered by Lesley Stokes, Widening Participation Manager at the University of Edinburgh and Laura Whitelock, Access and Outreach Officer at the University of York
