Fair access to higher education for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds is one of the biggest challenges faced by the education sector today.

Just 27% of students who are Free School Meal eligible go on to university, compared to 46% of their better-off peers. This is the biggest gap in over 15 years. And it’s not just about entry, young people from these backgrounds are more likely to drop out, gain a lower class of degree and experience poorer graduate outcomes.  

If we care about fairness and equality of opportunity, this matters.

John Blake takes up the position of Director for Fair Access and Participation at the Office for Students at a pivotal time for widening participation as the Department for Education champions a focus on working with schools to raise education standards and promote success at university and beyond.

At the heart of this is the idea of institutions working together across the education journey, through schools, colleges, universities and third sector organisations, to support all young people to achieve their potential.

Impetus is pleased to welcome John Blake for his first external speaking event in his new role as he sets out his vision and strategy. He will also take questions from the audience about his plans for the role, the future of access and how we can embed collaboration across the sector.

John’s speech will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with perspectives from the school, university, the third sectors and, crucially, a young person, on how we can put into practice the DfE and OfS focus on collaboration and raising education standards to support more young people on the path to success.  

The event will be hosted via Zoom and attendees will be able to submit questions to the panel before the event via press@impetus.org.uk. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions during the event.

Whether you work in a school, college, university or charity, if you’re interested in widening participation for young people from underrepresented backgrounds, we want to hear your voice at this event.

Date and time: Thursday 10 February, 16:00 – 17:15

Confirmed speakers:

Gino Graziano - Director of Widening Participation and Social Mobility, University of Southampton

Rae Tooth - CEO, Villiers Park

Sign up to the Impetus newsletter: https://www.impetus.org.uk/newsletter-subscribe