Finding Futures is a ‘road map’ designed for every learner, including parents, carers and staff and is adapted to meet the needs of the whole school population.
Finding Futures specifically prepares learners who may face additional challenges to progression, impacting the education journeys of everyone.
The programme offers:
• Unique experiences in-school, on-campus and online.
• Is progressive, building knowledge and understanding throughout Key Stage 3, 4 and 5.
• Builds self-awareness, confidence and resilience to aspire, transition and succeed in higher education.
Aimhigher London are a key partner in the London Uni Connect, which comprises of three networks working collaboratively with schools, colleges and universities, delivering programmes and supporting learners to make informed choices in order to narrow gaps in access and participation in higher education
We deliver the London Uni Connect Programme in 4 strands:
1. Strategic Outreach
Engaging groups of learners who are underrepresented in higher education delivered through working groups.
2. Targeted Outreach
Reaching learners in areas where significantly fewer learners go to university compared with the rest of the country delivered through the Finding Futures Programme.
3. Signposting
Ensuring information about outreach activities, CPD for teachers and parent or carer engagements is shared with schools across London.
4. Attainment Raising
The intention is to run the attainment raising programme piloted in 2023-24 with a small number of partner schools.
At Aimhigher London, we understand the importance of informing and supporting the adults who care for our learners.
Parent and Carer Webinars
We offer regular webinars that provide impartial information, advice, and guidance for parents and carers. Sessions include:
We encourage conversations between parents and their young people on the impact higher education can have and how to navigate the journey together.
We focus on sharing best practices to support learners with experience of care in transitioning and progressing into higher education.
Aimhigher London works with our Virtual School partners from local authorities to address specific needs and barriers faced by learners with experience of the care system or are estranged.
Care Experience Working Group
A unique network of representatives whose aims are:
The Working Group deliver:
“Just 14% of care leavers under the age of 19 progress onto higher education, compared to 47% of all other children, a discrepancy that has hardly changed in a decade” Breaking the Care Ceiling, Civitas 2023
Aimhigher London values the needs of teachers, staff, and careers advisors who work with our learners. We develop innovative conferences to share best practices and resources specifically for those supporting learners with SEND and experience of care.
Resources
Practitioner Guides for professionals supporting learners with experience in care
UNIFISH a guide to higher education support in London
Events and annual conferences
2023
Retaining compassion in constrained times
Information on events held in 2022-2023 can be found here
At Aimhigher London we are committed to raising awareness and understanding of the support available to address barriers to progression for learners with SEND and neurodiverse needs.
The DWG is made up of school, college, university and sector specialists to:
The group peer reviews AHL programme activity including:
Conferences
Get Ready for Success – an annual conference for learners, parents, carers and teachers to find out more about the support available and how to access it, before going to university.
Resources
UNIFISH – the one-stop shop detailing support services across London in higher education institutions for learners with SEND and neurodiverse needs.
The number of students with a known disability has increased by 47% since 2014/2015, most reporting a mental health condition, however, disabled people are still underrepresented in higher education, and those who are have worse outcomes than non-disabled students, (UK Parliament)
Each July, we recognise the dedication and contributions of our partners at our annual awards. This event honours schools, virtual schools, universities, colleges, and students who demonstrate exceptional commitment to equity of access and participation for all.
