Supporting your learners to access higher education.

We know your role is crucial in supporting your learners, and we have the tools to help.

our offering

Core Programme

Our core programme consists of a range of workshops and campus visits. From uncovering HE and providing an insight into student life, to exam success and subject masterclasses, we know how to inform and inspire your learners.

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Attainment Raising

We’re now working with schools and colleges to help raise the attainment of learners across our region. From mentoring and tutoring, to summer schools and innovative projects, we know how to boost the confidence, resilience and self-efficacy of your learners.

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Under-represented groups

Being care experienced, having a disability, or being a young carer often means learners face additional barriers when it comes to realising their education and career ambitions. Our tailored provision helps to level the playing field for these young people.

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Helping you to support your learners, and your school to meet the Gatsby benchmarks.

Our evidence-based and carefully designed activities are mapped to Gatsby Benchmarks and meet a range of learning outcomes, helping your school deliver its careers strategy whilst educating and motivating your learners.

Our Evaluation Framework follows a set of key principles to respond to the needs of your learners at each step in their education journey:

Intention – Increasing the intention of young people to progress to higher education.
Knowledge – Providing the information, advice and guidance (IAG) needed to make informed decisions and understand the benefits of higher education.
Attitude – Improving confidence and enhancing motivation towards learning.
Skills – Developing the academic and personal skills needed to succeed.
Sense of belonging – Seeing higher education as a valid option for them.

Together we can support your learners achieve their future goals and potential.

Outreach Programme Guide

Take a look at our Outreach Programme for more information about our core offering.

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FAQs

How can Greater Manchester Higher help me to access the right activity for my learner?

All eligible schools and colleges will be supported by a Hub Manager who will follow a structured needs analysis and planning process. Through this process, you’ll be supported to access relevant GM Higher activities for your learners, as well as signposted to events and activities delivered by our partner institutions.

If you require additional support or have questions about any of our activities please contact the Hub Manager for your area.

What year group are our activities for?

Our outreach programme of in-school/college presentations and workshops is for Year 9-13 learners. We also offer a programme of activities and events that are available for Year 9-13 learners from under-represented learner groups, such as those who are first in their family to progress to higher education, are in receipt of free school meals, who have been in local authority care, who have a disability, learning difficulty or have caring responsibilities.

For more information and to find out what events are available for your learners, please see our events page.

What should I consider prior to booking an event or activity?

You can discuss appropriate activities for your learners with your Hub Manager, and they’ll let you know what we need to deliver the activity. For in-school activities you’ll want to consider things like finding a suitable space and ensuring a member of staff can be present throughout. For on-campus activities we may need additional information such as dietary requirements – Hub Managers can support with travel arrangements. We also require activity registers and evaluations to be completed for all events. Activity registers should be sent to us prior to the event taking place.

Is there a cost to attend Greater Manchester Higher events and activities?

We deliver the Office for Students funded Uni Connect programme in Greater Manchester. There is no charge to schools, colleges or learners to engage in our core programme. We do seek matched funding for some of our Attainment Raising activities.

What data are we asking permission to collect and process from the learners?

As a Government-funded initiative we are expected to evaluate and evidence the impact of our work. To do this we need to collect data on all students who take part in our activities. We obtain or receive learner data from the following sources:

- Directly from schools
- Activity registers
- Data tracking forms completed by the learner
- Evaluation forms

For further information, please see our Data Collection and GDPR Privacy notice.

If you require additional support or have questions about any of our activities please contact the Hub Manager for your area.

Does Greater Manchester Higher offer training for teachers?

We offer a range of staff CPD, empowering you to support your learners by providing all you need to know about higher education and the varied pathways available.

Our workshops for supporters uncover the barriers young people from under-represented groups face.

We have a CPD programme coming soon – building on our current offer by introducing opportunities to boost your teaching and classroom skills. Watch this space.

Interested in CPD?

Introduction to Supporting Children from Military Families in Schools

CPD

23rd Apr 2024

Introduction to Supporting Children from Military Families in Schools

This webinar will provide teachers and advisors with an introduction to working with children from military families, also known as Service Children, and provide a brief overview of the support available through the Service Children Progression (SCiP) Alliance. The session will cover: What is meant by the term ‘Service Child’ The types of barriers faced by children from military families How teachers and advisors can support Service children in their school How schools can apply the ‘Thriving Lives’ Toolkit to support Service children within their school You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from current undergraduate students about their own experiences of education as members of a military family, as well as being signposted to organisations and resources to support your work with Service children.

CPD

29th Apr 2024

Supporting Young Carers

This CPD session for teachers and advisors will teach you about what it means to be a young carer, how to identify them in school and learn about where you can signpost or access support for young carers. The session will include presentations from the following speakers: Professor Saul Becker from Manchester Metropolitan University. Saul is regarded as the world leader for young carers’ research, policy and practice having pioneered this field and worked with children and young adults with caring responsibilities for 30 years. Ellie Rowley from UCAS, who will be sharing an insight into the upcoming UCAS research into young carers entering Higher Education. Kelly Hockaday, Young Carer's Coordinator from Manchester Council will present on the Manchester model of working with young carers, their projects, outcomes and challenges. The event will close with a Q&A.

Care experienced learners | + 1 more

21st May 2024

Supporting the Supporters

This annual CPD event is aimed at professionals and supporters of care-experienced young people, including social workers, foster carers, personal advisors and designated teachers. Join us to find out the most up-to-date information about the support available to young people who are care experienced in the run up to, and whilst at University. By attending this event, we hope you’ll feel more confident advising the young people you support. Through interactive talks and workshops, you’ll find out about all things Higher Education including the benefits of attending higher education, as well as how to apply and tips for navigating the admissions process. Information will also be provided on the specific support available to care-experienced students, funding that is available and you will have the chance to meet current students who have been through the care system. We will host this year at the University of Manchester. Lunch and a Campus Tour will be provided for delegates attending in person

Get in touch

Want to find out more about Greater Manchester Higher and the support we offer?

Supporting your learners to access higher education.

our offering

Helping you to support your learners, and your school to meet the Gatsby benchmarks.

FAQs

How can Greater Manchester Higher help me to access the right activity for my learner?

What year group are our activities for?

What should I consider prior to booking an event or activity?

Is there a cost to attend Greater Manchester Higher events and activities?

What data are we asking permission to collect and process from the learners?

Does Greater Manchester Higher offer training for teachers?

Interested in CPD ?

Get in touch

Interested in CPD?