Why Working With Primary-Age Students Is Crucial to Widening Access

NEON Supporting Practice

Online event.

The day will focus on widening access initiatives for Primary Aged pupils. The day will start with a Keynote from Dr Rachel Carr, Chief executive and Co-founder of IntoUniversity. Rachel will share her expertise and extensive knowledge in working specifically with Primary age pupils gained in her current role and through the twenty plus years of experience working with children and young people in the voluntary sector. Rachel began devising the IntoUniversity programme in 2002 to address the barriers preventing young people facing disadvantage reaching their potential.

Agenda
10.00: Welcome and Introduction – NEON
10:10: Keynote Dr Rachel Carr, CEO, IntoUniversity
10:40: Case study 1 – University of Brighton – Laura Towers, Outreach Co-Ordinator
‘Read to Succeed’ is the University of Brighton’s new primary project, which focuses on raising literacy attainment and improving attitudes towards reading among Year 6 students. It was piloted in the academic year 2024-25 and is directed towards primary schools in Hastings, an area with particularly low rates of progression to university.
11:15: Break
11:25: Case study 2 – University of Northampton – Natasha Mycawka, Widening Access Manager
The SPARK Student Award is a project‑based programme for primary‑aged pupils, promoting social responsibility, collaboration, and problem‑solving. Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, it enables students to design projects that positively impact their school and community while developing key communication and teamwork skills.
12.00: Case study 3 – University of Bournemouth – Libbi Hammond, Student Recruitment and Outreach Manager
Bournemouth University’s primary outreach programme complements the work of schools to reduce educational disparities and support disadvantaged pupils. Through workshops, campus visits, and attainment‑raising activities, Bournemouth University helps young learners explore university life, build confidence and understand future pathways. This case study outlines Bournemouth University’s collaboration with schools and the impact of its early‑engagement programmes.
12:35: Lunch
13:35: Case study 4 – IntoUniversity – Dr Emily Magrath, Director of Programme Development and Impact
This case study outlines IntoUniversity’s long standing early‑intervention model, which places learning centres in disadvantaged communities to familiarise children with university from a young age. It highlights the charity’s primary aged targeted programmes, integrated academic and skills support and how sustained engagement helps improve long‑term educational outcomes and broaden young people’s aspirations.
14.10: Group discussion
– What are the challenges when working with Primary schools
– What types of activities are successful?
– How can you ensure evaluation methods are appropriate for younger learners but remain meaningful?
– What targeting strategies are being adopted to ensure widening access cohorts are being reached?
– How do you manage demand and supply? (Often a high number of schools want to be engaged but there isn’t the capacity to deliver)
15.10: Break
15.20: Group feedback
15.50: Closing thoughts
16.00: End of event