Student Transition to Higher Education

Access Academy Training

Student transition is a crucial issue for higher education providers, particularly for students from under-represented groups. Ensuring students successfully make the move into higher education, and settle into their undergraduate studies remains a key area which ultimately leads to a greater chance of learners successfully completing their studies. As Unite Student’s 2024 report points out inequalities that existed before the pandemic appear to have widened and this will have an impact on students’ academic and social skills, making it even more important to ensure the right strategies are in place.

This one day course will look at strategies that facilitate the transition to higher education for students traditionally under-represented in higher education and that aim to support them in both their social engagement and their studies.

By the end of the day delegates will:

• Understand and be able to apply theories about transition and their importance to student success.
• Have considered why transition is especially vital for students from under-represented groups.
• Have looked at different strategies for student transition and consider the benefits and challenges of each strategy.
• Understand the relationship between day students and institutional loyalty.
• Be able to design a student transition programme that supports those from widening access backgrounds.

This training is designed to give delegates the chance to develop both their knowledge and skills needed to both support students effectively and to design and deliver effective interventions. It also provides a space to discuss the latest challenges with colleagues from other organisations and support each other to come up with practical solutions.

Who should attend?

NEON’s Access Academy Training sessions are designed to be applicable to practitioners, academics and researchers from HEIs, FECs, Uni Connect partnerships and third sector organisations.

This course will be of particular relevance to:

• Senior managers with responsibility for access and participation plans (APPs)
• Managers and practitioners with responsibility for delivering interventions designed to improve student transion and reduce gaps in student drop-out due to different student characteristics
• Heads of student support services
• Colleagues with responsibility for the evaluation of interventions around student transition
• Academics with responsibility, or an interest in student transition
• Colleagues wishing to gain a greater understanding of the theories that explain non-continuation of students

Date: 26th February 2026
Time: 10am start until 4pm
Location: This event is taking place online

Quote from previous Access Academy Training:
‘Lots of information – useful talking to others practitioners about their work too.’
‘Every aspect of the session was relevant and useful…’
‘Networking with others and sharing best practice’