Supporting Care Leavers at a Selecting InstitutionDoug Jennings - WP & UG Recruitment ManagerZoe Pither – WP Student Support Manager

21 April 2023

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Admissions at Bristol: a competitive field

• In 2011 there were 34494 applications for 3288 places

• Modal offer is AAA

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WP at Bristol

• 55% of intake this year was from the state sector• 16% from low performing schools against a

progress measure of 19%• Care leavers are part of a larger picture• 4.6% of intake is mature

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Evidence Based Practice

• Contextualised admissions process founded on research

• University policy is to base admissions process on evidence

• Care leavers currently a very small cohort

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Retention & Success

• Low withdrawal rates• Contextual offer based on success rates• Provide appropriate support based on need

• Group• Individual

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Current Practice

• Strong links with local virtual heads• Local outreach programme • Personal adviser• Peer support• UNITE bursary• Access to careers activities

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Future Strategy

• Research into non-completion• Research into graduate destinations• Improved access to relevant support and

development opportunities

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Student Perspective Danielle Allen – Falmouth University College

• How does your institution support care leavers?• application stage• pre-arrival• post-arrival

• What other support would you have liked?

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Discussion

Having identified the challenges:

•What support should HEIs offer care leavers?• application stage• pre-arrival• post-arrival

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21 April 2023