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 most recent series was held in Spring 2025 - catch up on the webinar recordings below!
Previous webinars
Simplifying Law Admissions: Helping Students with Tests & Applications
Wednesday 5th February 2025, 3:30-4:30pm
This webinar from the University of Cambridge Faculty of Law discusses law admissions, covering everything from the application timeline to choosing the right course and university. It provides information on key topics such as the LNAT, UCAS applications, what admissions tutors are looking for, law interviews, and more. Gain valuable insights to help your students navigate the law application process with confidence.
Delivered by Maria Kazani, Outreach, Widening Participation, and Communication Coordinator at the University of Cambridge Faculty of Law.
Unlocking Skills & Mobility through the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Wednesday 12th February 2025, 3:30-4:30pm
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. It explores 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 (Pre-Entry) at University of Southampton, and Dr Rachel Allen, EPQ Co-Ordinator and Senior Tutor at Ashton Sixth Form College.
Exploring Future Paths with Students
Thursday 13th February 2025, 3:30-4:30pm
This webinar guides 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). It discusses how to select the right degree course, including combined degrees, joint honours, and degree apprenticeships. It also covers options for students who may not have the ideal A-levels for their chosen university course, such as foundation years and gateway courses. Additionally, it explores admissions criteria, entry requirements, qualification types accepted by RGIs, and options like contextual offers and widening participation programmes.
Delivered by the Laura Whitelock, Access and Outreach Officer at University of York, and Josh Shapland, Widening Participation Officer at University of Bristol.
Supporting students with new Personal Statement guidance
Wednesday 5th March 2025, 3:30-4:30pm
This webinar provides teachers and advisers with essential guidance on the new Personal Statement format for Russell Group Universities (RGIs). It covers the recent changes and what they mean for students, including the practicalities of the new character count and how to approach the updated questions. It also busts common myths about the process and highlights what universities expect to see in a competitive personal statement, including examples of strong and weak statements. Additionally, it explores how RGIs use Personal Statements for different courses and discusses 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, 3:30-4:30pm
This webinar guides teachers and advisers on how to design a programme of impactful encounters with Russell Group Universities (RGIs). It explores 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, 3:30-4:30pm
This webinar provides teachers and advisers with the latest updates on student loans, including changes to funding, repayment terms, and eligibility. It covers 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, 3:30-4:30pm
This webinar provides teachers and advisers with essential updates on contextual admissions in higher education. It explains 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 from the University of Sheffield, Jamie Graney, Hybrid Delivery Manager at University of Liverpool, and Jo McNeill, Fair Access and Admissions Manager at University of Liverpool.
