About
About
Aimhigher West Midlands is a partnership of universities working to support learners who face a number of challenges to broaden their horizons and make informed decisions about their future educational and career choices.
The Aimhigher West Midlands partnership has been funded by its university members since 2009 and has a strong reputation across the region for providing quality, impartial information, advice and guidance.
We use robust evaluation tools and methodologies to determine what works and these have been highlighted as good practice by HEFCE, OFFA, Office for Students, The Sutton Trust and HEA. Our evaluation plan was rated as excellent by the Office for Students and is seen as best practice within the sector. Our plan was heavily referenced within the OfS good practice guide to support other Uni Connect consortia in the development of their evaluation plans.
Research and ImpactFeedback from students indicates that the opportunities provided have increased their knowledge of higher education, raising awareness of the benefits and the importance of choosing a path that is right for them. A West Midland’s student said, “I thought there was one set route but now I know there are lots of ways to get into it.” We appreciate young people’s individuality and the value of different strengths and skills, while working to identify how these skills could enhance future careers.
Aimhigher is also part of the Uni Connect Programme funded by the Office for Students.
It is a national network of hubs across England which offer impartial advice, guidance and activities on the benefits and realities of higher education in college and university.
The Aimhigher Plus university partnership consists of Aston University, Birmingham City University, Newman University, University College Birmingham, University of Birmingham and University of Worcester and works with students from across the region who are typically underrepresented in higher education (HE). Through a tailored and impartial approach, Uni Connect supports students to effectively plan their future by delivering activities such as summer schools, mentoring, campus visits, subject taster sessions, residential trips and information, advice and guidance events.
Aimhigher Plus is available to students in year 9 to year 13 who live in specific postcode areas. We can work with schools and colleges to help identify students who you think will benefit from support designed to improve academic attainment as access to higher education.
We received the following feedback from a young person for the delivery of an online event: “I am very thankful for the opportunity we had for participating in this online; I believe this was a wonderful experience for all and was highly insightful.”
We welcome feedback from schools, frequently reviewing engagement with our activities to improve our work and endeavour to support learners in the most effective and impactful ways possible.
were supported by us in 2022/23
were delivered in 2022/23
worked with us in 2022/23
