February 2019
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This timely conference examined the next steps for raising educational attainment and improving social mobility in England - from early years through to higher and further education and into employment.
Delegates assessed the roles of a range of stakeholders in tackling social mobility, and how to ensure that benefits can be felt across early years education, primary and secondary education, and further and higher education - taking into account teaching quality and the role of schools in raising aspirations and improving attainment.
Discussion was had on what could be learned from the impact so far of the Opportunity Areas programme, in improving social mobility in the 12 areas considered to be social mobility ‘cold spots’ in England - with case studies from both the first and second wave of the programme.
Attendees considered policy and best practice aimed at tackling disadvantage in early years, including options for improving collaboration and progress on the government initiative to improve literacy and language skills in early years.
Further sessions focused on post-16 through both higher and further education, including the likely impact of T-Levels as preparations are made for their initial introduction in three areas in 2020.
There was also discussion on widening access into HE and employment, with the Office for Students continuing to examine how universities can reach out to students from different backgrounds, including through their National Collaborative Outreach Programme.
