Annual Report - 2022/23

2022/2023 A Year in Review

In 2022/23 there has been: 

• 8,979 learner engagements 
• 3,497 learners attending 69 on-campus events  
• 5,368 learners engaged in 116 in school sessions  
• 1,203 primary school learner engagements across 24 activities 
• 484 students applied to the University from our target schools, of which 126 went onto enrol 
• 26% conversion rate for students from target schools  
• 54% of trackable learners who have previously engaged in 3 or more activities progress to HE compared to 44% of learners who have engaged in just one 
• Of those trackable learners who have now graduated 75% achieved a good degree and 74% are in high skilled employment 

The Widening Access team

The team works closely with schools within Derby City and Derbyshire to engage young people, improve their attainment, support their achievement and raise their awareness of HE and alternative progression opportunities. 

Widening Access Strategy

Our Widening Access strategy ensures we focus on the needs of local cohorts, working collaboratively with local schools and other organisations, to address very challenging, entrenched, social mobility issues within Derby City and Derbyshire. We take a research and evidence-based approach to our work and have a robust evaluation structure that underpins our activity. Reflection is embedded throughout using theories of change and logic models to map out success and impact measures and ensure effectiveness.

Widening Access theory of change

Goal

Increase participation and equitable outcomes for under-represented groups.

Immediate outcomes

• Enhanced skills and self-awareness
• Improved attainment 
• Positive attitude and motivation to study
• Broader knowledge and understanding of HE
• Increased social, personal and cultural capital for under-represented and target groups

Case Studies

Over the next few sections, you can learn about some of our key activities in more depth through a series of case studies that highlight the success of our widening access work, providing good evidence of the lasting impact on local young people.