Session 34: The impact of widening access summer schools on university progression

Abstract

Session overview:

Widening access initiatives play a critical role in addressing educational inequality, yet questions remain about their long-term impact on students' attitudes and behaviours toward higher education. This session will present key findings from a MSc Research study based on evaluation of the LJMU Outreach Summer University, focusing on how it influences disadvantaged students' aspirations, confidence, and actual university application decisions.

The research study adopted a quasi-experimental approach using pre- and post-programme survey data, alongside follow-up questionnaires tracking students’ university applications. The findings address gaps in existing research, such as the difference between intention and actual enrolment, the role of institutional influence in shaping student choices, and the barriers that persist beyond aspiration-raising efforts.

Attendees will gain insight into how targeted interventions can promote diversity, inclusion, and university progression among underrepresented groups. The attendees will gain insight into best practice approaches for widening access initiatives.

The session will highlight best practices in outreach and widening access interventions, offering evidence-based recommendations on how summer school interventions can go beyond raising aspirations to foster self-belief and help equip students with practical knowledge about university life

Key learning points from this session:

Attendees will gain insights into effective approaches for increasing aspirations and university applications among disadvantaged students and learn how institutional interventions can positively shape students’ university decisions.

The session will also demonstrate how outreach activities are informed by evaluation data and adapted accordingly.