NEON Access and Success Academy Training – Strengthening Student Retention in Higher Education: Strategies for Success

Access Academy Training

Online event

Student retention remains one of the most pressing priorities for higher education providers. Rising inequalities, shifting student demographics, and post-pandemic challenges mean that many learners – particularly those from widening participation backgrounds – face substantial barriers to continuation and completion.

This one‑day course explores the key factors influencing student retention and equips delegates with practical, evidence‑based strategies to reduce attrition and improve the student experience. Through a blend of theory, research insights, and real‑world case studies, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how institutions can support students to persist, succeed, and ultimately graduate.

By the end of the day, delegates will be able to:

• Understand the core drivers of student non‑continuation and how these differ across student groups.
• Apply leading theories of persistence, belonging, engagement, and transition.
• Identify students most at risk of disengagement and explore methods for early intervention.
• Analyse the impact of financial pressures, academic confidence, social integration, and institutional structures on retention.
• Evaluate a range of effective practices – from proactive advising and early alert systems to community‑building and targeted support programmes.
• Design a holistic, research‑informed retention strategy tailored to their institution, department, or student cohort.

Students from under‑represented groups – including mature learners, Black students, disabled students, and those from low‑income backgrounds – continue to experience higher rates of non‑continuation. Retention is therefore not just a performance measure, but an equity issue. This course provides a dedicated space for practitioners to explore these inequalities, understand their root causes, and work toward practical, sector‑aligned solutions.

This training will be especially valuable for:

• Student success, retention, and progression teams
• Access and Participation Plan (APP) leads
• Widening participation practitioners
• Heads of student support, wellbeing, or transition services
• Academic staff with responsibility for student experience or course‑level retention
• Analysts or evaluators designing or assessing retention interventions
• Anyone looking to deepen their understanding of non‑continuation and improve retention outcomes

The day includes expert‑led presentations, facilitated discussions, interactive activities, and opportunities to share challenges and approaches with colleagues from other institutions. Delegates will leave with concrete, actionable steps and a clearer roadmap for enhancing student persistence.

Be part of a proactive, sector‑wide effort to ensure that all students – regardless of background – are supported to stay, progress, and thrive throughout their higher education journey.

Places are limited. Book early to secure your place.