Widening participation: what can we learn from young people?

The national Aimhigher initiative was introduced by the UK Government to widen participation in higher education by raising the aspirations and developing the abilities of young people from low socio-economic groups. This study sought to obtain an insight into the impact that the Aimhigher interventions have had upon young people within the Kent and Medway region. It draws upon data provided by 27 young people during paired and group interviews, particularly in relation to their level of awareness of higher education, the key influences in the decision making process and the additional sources of information that inform their understanding. The findings revealed that pupils were particularly benefiting from the support of Aimhigher learning mentors and were often influenced by their parents. Many of the pupils in this study indicated that obtaining a clearer idea of what universities were like and the work that would be expected of them was paramount to alleviating their fears and anxieties. However, the expectations that some pupils expressed, that gaining a higher qualification would undoubtedly lead to a better job and more income, might prove unrealistic. Furthermore, during discussions a number of pupils demonstrated a particular view of education and learning not in keeping with the notion of lifelong learning.