1. Weathering the storm for the learner
An Aimhigher London South Forum
London South Bank University
17th October 2016
Welcome!

2. Identifying the issues for the learner and who is best to support them
What does our education landscape look like?
What does that mean for the learner?
Who is best to support them?
And what can Aimhigher do to support them?

3. The education landscape
Schools – academisation, funding constraints, qualification reforms, accountability measures, teacher recruitment
Further Education – area reviews, apprenticeships, development of the HE offer, employer engagement
Higher Education - White Paper swiftly followed by the Higher Education Bill

4. Higher Education Bill
“the need to promote quality and greater choice and opportunities for students”
Jo Johnson, Minister for universities, research, science and innovtion
UUK conference, Sept 2016
1. Create more competition and choice that will promote social mobility
2. Boost productivity in the economy
3. Ensure students receive value for money from their investment
4. Strengthen the UK’s research and innovation sector

5. Other key changes in HE RIP Disability Student allowance
RIP student maintenance grants
RIP £9K fees (inflationary increases)
RIP NHS bursaries
RIP student cap on numbers
RIP unconscious bias - name blind applications trial
UCAS tarrif changes to accommodate range of qualifications
Changes to clearing being considered

6. Riding the storm – the impact on the learner
'students need to be confident that their investment is worthwhile’
Jo Johnson, Minister of state for universities, science, research and innovation

7. “A woman rang the BBC and said she had heard that there was a hurricane on the way. "Well if you are watching, don't worry there isn't," Michael Fish prior to the 1987 hurricane

8. EU referendum & Government change
Brexit, lack of reassurance
unknown impact on students, staff and research
However,
Prime Ministerial commitment to social mobility
First ever Secretary of state for Education from a state school background
Improved links between Higher Education, the economy, wider education system, social mobility

9. ‘ It is a sad truth that the economic and social position of a student's family has the greatest impact on their access to university and their success while they are there’
‘Information, advice and guidance (IAG) play a central role in shaping students choices. Students from more privileged backgrounds benefit from effective IAG from their schools, their parents and broader networks’
Working in Partnership: Enabling Social Mobility in Higher Education, The final report of the Social Mobility Advisory Group, October 2016

10. Understanding what and how we communicate with key adults supporting the learner
Training
Research
Events and activities
Resources