National Aim Higher Webpage

Teacher Net Aim Higher Page

Nuffield Bursary Scheme

Aimhigher is a national programme which aims to widen participation in Higher Education by raising the aspirations and developing the abilities of young people from under-represented groups.

The Excellence Cluster employs three Student Advisers who work with Sixth Formers in the town’s schools. The main aims of this role are to encourage students to engage positively with their studies, redress any disaffection displayed by individuals, to increase the number of entrants to HE and to ensure effective transition from school. The SAs work with a caseload of students for about ten weeks and also help individuals on a drop-in basis.

At the start of year 12 all students are given a useful induction pack containing stationery and other equipment, provided by the Cluster. The Cluster is also involved locally with the Nuffield Bursary Scheme, which gives year 12 students the opportunity to work for 4 – 6 weeks in a science based organisation, working on a field based project. Local students are given additional funding by the Cluster and are supported by the SAs during their placements.

An important part of the SAs’ work is supporting young people with their academic work and helping them to prepare for moving on to college or university. The Top Tips Guides that follow give a flavour of this support.