The attainment gap between the most and least advantaged students is too large and, since 2020, has expanded.
We need to conduct robust evaluations of our widening participation activities, so our strategies to raise attainment are targeted and effective.
Core curriculum is important, but it is not the only form of learning that will support disadvantaged students to access the most competitive universities.
It is important that students can still access beyond-the-curriculum learning during the cost-of-living crisis, when schools have significant budgetary constrictions.
Disadvantage does not disappear when students begin their course.
A good transition process is essential to establish the academic confidence needed for success at university.
Education interventions should empower parents and carers to tackle barriers to education in their local areas. Parents and carers are the most influential people in a young person’s life, and yet are underrepresented in discussions about education.
Both parents and their children will benefit from a long-term, cross-sector commitment to understanding and addressing localised barriers to education.
How learning beyond the curriculum can help close the growing attainment gap
Poll results: Parents’ attitudes towards university
Five reasons why we need to address educational inequality
Intermediate outcomes for higher education access and success (with TASO)
Raising attainment: Taking an evidence-based approach to boosting academic achievement
Connecting students to their future: Skills for education and employment
How can place-based projects boost educational outcomes and life chances?
We have spokespeople available to comment on these priorities and a range of other topics including, but not limited to:
For any policy enquiries or speaking opportunities, please contact Charlotte Hallahan, our Senior Policy and Communications Officer, at charlotte.hallahan@thebrilliantclub.org
The Brilliant Club is part of the Fair Education Alliance (FEA), a group of over 250 organisations who have joined together to drive action at a local and national level to make education and life chances fair for all young people. We are also a member of the National Education Opportunities Network (NEON), an organisation which supports universities to widen access to higher education.
We work with several educational organisations to understand the current state of educational inequality in the UK, including the Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO), and engage with government, local authorities, and political parties.
