New research shows how supported transitions from school or college into university can improve student retention rates, build student confidence and foster more diverse university populations.
The UPP Foundation has today [Thursday 21 November] published a new briefing paper alongside The Brilliant Club and Villiers Park Education Trust on supporting outstanding transitions from school and college to university. The paper is based on the themes which emerged from a Knowledge Exchange event earlier in the year, which included over 70 widening participation experts from schools, FE colleges, universities and third sector organisations.
The Knowledge Exchange event was held to share findings from projects being run by The Brilliant Club and Villiers Park both of which aim to improve the transition to higher education for young people from under-represented backgrounds, improving retention rates and enabling students to thrive at university. The projects were partly funded by the UPP Foundation.
The key themes the research focusses on include:
- The value of personalised and one-one support, with both projects showing the benefits of coaching in improving confidence and agency for students from under-represented groups.
- The role of personalised transition programmes, including coaching, in supporting belonging and enabling students to build their own peer networks.
- The importance of sustained support throughout a student’s life cycle, from transition support starting early to supporting life beyond university.
- Improving school-university partnerships in fostering successful transition programmes
Successful transitions from school to university is one of the key issues impacting widening participation in higher education. The UPP Foundation Student Futures Commission found that 68% of students in their first year agreed their university had given them all the support they needed to prepare for the start of term, but this figure dropped to 42% for students in their second or third year of study. This briefing note has been published to support universities, schools colleges and charities as they evaluate their approaches to successful transition.
Richard Brabner, Executive Chair of the UPP Foundation said:
“This briefing note provides a vital taster for the potential of successful transitions programmes to and through higher education. We believe partnering with charities like the Brilliant Club and Villiers Park is a great way for universities to enable better student and graduate outcomes.”
Gaby Sumner, Chief Executive, Villiers Park Educational Trust said:
“At Villiers Park, we believe that every young person, deserves the chance to thrive in higher education. This research underscores the transformative impact that personalised support can have on students as they transition to university. By helping to bridge the gap for students from under-represented backgrounds we can support them not only to access university but to succeed and grow within it. We are proud to work alongside The Brilliant Club and the UPP Foundation in shaping a higher education environment where all students can realise their potential.”
Susie Whigham, Chief Programmes and Communities Officer, The Brilliant Club
“We are pleased to have collaborated with Villiers Park and the UPP Foundation to bring schools, universities and organisations together to identify how best we can support students to make a successful transition to university. There is a wealth of best practice on transition, but we need more effective collaboration across the sector to ensure interventions are tailored to meet the needs of a diverse range of students and that students don’t fall between the gaps during transition to university. I’m delighted that this briefing note has ideas and inputs from undergraduates and professionals working across the education sector.”
