Strong community led partnerships are critical for widening participation in higher education

This is a guest blog by Nic Beech, Vice Chancellor, University of Salford; and Ed Marsh, Chief Executive Officer, Tutor Trust.

Our schools and universities are experiencing difficult circumstances. One particularly worrying challenge – which is happening at the intersection of both – is the decline in widening participation. 

Despite a constant focus from the sector on the issue, young people eligible for free school meals remain half as likely to participate in higher education as their wider peer group. 

A new agreement between the Tutor Trust and the University of Salford shows that local partnerships which connect university students with school pupils is one way of addressing this worrying trend.  

Tutoring as a way of improving a young person's attainment is not new. But for too long only those who could afford to pay for tuition privately could reap the rewards.  

The agreement sees high quality tuition delivered by the University's students to year 6 pupils from Salford schools.   

We have an ambitious stretch target of aiming to support 400 pupils in Salford in our first year, as they make the move from primary to secondary school, which is a critical transition.  

Salford is the 18th most deprived local authority area in England, according to the Government’s 2019 data for Indices of Multiple Deprivation. It is also the third most deprived in Greater Manchester. 

The University of Salford lives and breathes its commitment to enriching lives.  Its latest figures show that out of its nearly 27,000 current students - 50% are first in family to attend university.  

We have identified four ways in which local partnerships like this one can increase widening participation in higher education: 

Closing the attainment gap 

At the core of any successful widening participation initiative is a goal to improve the attainment of young people from low-income households.  When tutoring is delivered by university students, this intervention simultaneously addresses the immediate academic attainment gap while building aspirations through organic relationships. 

Alleviating financial pressures  

Effective student-led programmes must be delivered at no cost to pupils and minimal cost to schools, ensuring no family has to choose between their child's education and essential living costs. At University of Salford, our programme has been funded through our alumni network.  

These models can also provide fair compensation to student tutors, with rates well above minimum wage. This dual benefit addresses financial barriers on both sides. 

Providing authentic role models 

Tutors not only improve the attainment of young people, but they also act as relatable role models and help inspire their tutees to consider university education.  

Integrating workplace skills into the university experience 

To ensure universities attract and retain students from all backgrounds, higher education must demonstrably prepare students for future careers. Student tutors develop invaluable real-world skills through their experiences in classroom settings, including communication, leadership, and adaptability. These experiences enhance their employability while allowing them to make meaningful contributions to their local communities. 

The Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson recently wrote to all universities asking them to expand access and outcomes for disadvantaged students, aiming to remove structural barriers and improve inclusivity.  

These are already priorities for the University of Salford. Developing strong, community-led partnerships to deliver meaningful widening participation initiatives is, now more than ever, critical.  

Increasing access to higher education does not just improve the life chances of young people, but it also benefits our universities, local community, and wider society.