The University Admissions Conference 2024

The University Admissions landscape is undergoing considerable changes, fuelled by a range of socio-economic and political factors. Challenges in equality, shifts in international student enrolment, and evolving admission practices are reshaping admissions processes and procedures. Despite concerted efforts to close the equality gap in recent years, the journey toward fair and transparent admissions remains incomplete and increasingly complex. As the first stage of student engagement in higher education, a smooth, fair and user-friendly admissions process is paramount.

• A 23% increase in university placements for students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds was seen in 2022 compared to 2019 (UCAS)
• Personal statements are primarily used to assess an applicant’s interest in a course (88%), with other factors such as contextual background (65%), academic potential (40%), and work experience (29%) also considered (HEPI)
• The number of UK students applying through UCAS has seen a year-on-year decrease, with 529,600 applications in 2023 compared to 548,780 in 2022. Meanwhile, international applications have risen to 138,050 in 2023.

Join us at the University Admissions Conference 2024 to gain insights into the latest initiatives, challenges, and best practices relating to university admissions. The conference will address key obstacles including effective school outreach strategies, engaging with disadvantaged groups, improving fairness and transparency, and managing admissions for international students. Gain the opportunity to network with and hear from various teams, leaders, and facilitators working across admission processes.

Why Attend:

✓ High-level keynotes from leading experts on university admissions and enrolment management

✓ Case studies showcasing best practices in admissions criteria, diversity, inclusion, and technology

✓ Networking opportunities with professionals from a wide range of educational institutions

✓ Gain 4 hours of CPD points towards your yearly quota

NEW AND EXCLUSIVE TO YOUR
CONFERENCE PACKAGE – GE Insights:

This year’s conference package includes 12-months FREE access to GE Insights, our cross-sector learning resource of case study focused videos, articles, lived experiences and more (RRP £199). Gain unlimited access to our online platform when you purchase your conference ticket.

Key benefits include:

 ✓100s of Exclusive Case Studies – fingertip access to videos and articles covering all key sectors including Local Authorities, Voluntary, and Education and ALL CPD certified

 ✓Key Sessions from All Our Conferences – gain valuable insights from our past, present, and future events (160+ pa)

 ✓Articles and Interviews – learn from our network of expert speakers and contributors explore further the key discussions from the conferences

 ✓Additional CPD Hours – automatically earn more for everything you watch, read, and hear

 ✓Your Own CPD Dashboard – charts your progress, allows you to add notes, download your activities, and save/print an official CPD certificate

 ✓Personalised Homepage – only see the relevant content you need to save time

 ✓30+ New Uploads Each Month – we’re adding new content every week to ensure you stay engaged and informed all year round.

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

• 09.00

  Online Registration

• 09.50

  Chair’s Opening Remarks

   

• 10.00

  Keynote: Navigating the Current Landscape: Challenges and Trends in University Admissions

  • Outlining the latest trends and data analytics showing how students are making university choices
  • Overview of the impact of socio-economic, academic, and personal factors on student decision-making processes
  • Progress update on the 2021 Reimagining UK Admissions report and successful reforms implemented
  • Strategies for long-term planning: using data insights to optimise admissions by informing outreach and student support services

  Brian Pépin, Principal Policy Adviser, UCAS (CONFIRMED)

• 10.20

  Keynote: Driving Fairness in University Admissions

  • Outlining current debates within university admission processes
  • Identifying how admissions policies such as contextual offers can widen participation

  Rowan Fisher, Head of Student Experience and Skills Policy, Universities UK (CONFIRMED)

• 10.40

  Case Study: Navigating the UK University Admissions Process to Make it Accessible for Refugees

  • Sharing challenges refugees face when entering the UK university admissions process
  • Addressing the complexities related to document verification, qualification recognition, and eligibility assessments for refugees
  • Insights into the unique financial challenges, including lack of access to student loans and scholarships that refugees often encounter
  • Developing existing resources and support networks aimed at assisting refugees in entering higher education
  • Concrete steps that universities can take to make the admissions process more inclusive and equitable for refugees

  Katie Barringer, Head of Educational Progression, Refugee Education UK (CONFIRMED)

   

• 11.00

  Questions and Answers

• 11.20

  Comfort Break

• 11.40

  Breakout Networking: The Crossroads of Admissions: Tackling Challenges Through Collaboration

  This session will provide you with a unique platform to openly discuss the main challenges you face in university admissions—from policy to practice, from technology to inclusivity. This is your opportunity to share experiences, insights, and innovative solutions.

• 12.10

  Case Study: Transforming and Optimising the Clearing Admissions Process

  • Key takeaways and lessons learnt in the admissions process
  • Employing analytics and data to efficiently manage course vacancies and student placements during the Clearing period
  • Harnessing student experiences in making the Clearing process less stressful and more user-friendly for applicants
  • Implementing digital transformations and other technologies to make the process more efficient and equitable

  Elliot Newstead, Head of UK Student Recruitment and Outreach, University of Leicester (CONFIRMED)

• 12:30

  Case Study: Building Bridges: Effective School Outreach Strategies to Encourage University Admissions

  • Sharing innovative school outreach and engagement strategies: insights from Inspiring Minds
  • Guidance on effectively tailoring outreach programmes to meet the specific needs and cultures of different communities
  • Methods for tracking the success of outreach initiatives in terms of student engagement and university enrolment rates
  • Implementing digital and in-person activities and applications to ensure wider participation within out reach strategies

  Stefan Colley, KAMCOP Project Manager, Canterbury Christ Church University (CONFIRMED)

  Finley Lawson, Education Development Lead, Canterbury Christ Church University (CONFIRMED)

• 12:50

  Case Study: Engaging with Disadvantaged and Underrepresented Groups to Improve Access to Higher Education

  • Addressing the systemic disparities and underrepresentation of ethnic minority students, care leavers, and disabled students in UK universities
  • Creating specific initiatives, such as mentorship programmes, summer schools, and tailored admissions pathways, aimed at improving social mobility
  • Strategies for overcoming mental and cultural hurdles that can deter disadvantaged groups from pursuing higher education
  • Using technology, community engagement, and policy change to make university admissions more inclusive

  Dr Omar Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO) (CONFIRMED)

• 13.10

  Questions and Answers

• 13.30

  Chair’s Closing Remarks

  *programme subject to change without notice

Who Should Attend?

*This Conference is open to Public, Private and Third Sectors

For more information or to make a booking please call 0330 058 4285

We are now taking bookings for our wide range of sponsorship and exhibition packages; we also offer bespoke packages tailored for your organisation.

Why Sponsor and Exhibit at this event:

✓ Network with key decision makers from across the sector
✓ Meet your target audience
✓ Listen and Learn from leading experts from across the further education sector
✓ Opportunity to demonstrate your products or services
✓ Speak alongside industry leading experts
✓ Work with your dedicated account manager to generate the maximum amount of leads

Exhibition and Sponsorship Packages:

Strategic Headline Sponsor:

• 20-minute speaking slot followed by Q&A
• 3x2m Exhibition Space (In the Refreshments and Catering room)
• Pre show marketing email to all registered delegates
• Post show inclusion on presentation email
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• A4 Insert or A4 Chair Drop
• 5 Delegate Conference Passes
• 1 Speaker Pass

Key Supporter Package:

• 20-minute speaking slot followed by Q&A
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• A4 Insert or Chair Drop
• 1 Speaker Pass
• 2 Delegate Conference Passes

Exhibition Stand:

• 3x2m Exhibition Space (In the Refreshments and Catering room)
• Power, Wifi, Table and 2 Chairs (If required)
• Branding on Website and Event Guide (Logo and 100 Word Profile)
• 2 Delegate Conference Passes
• 1 Stand Manager Pass

Insert or Chair Drop:

• 1 Delegate Conference Pass
• A4 insert into delegate pack or A4 Chair Drop

For more information or to discuss your requirements, please contact the team on 0330 0584 285, or sponsorship@governmentevents.co.uk or complete our enquiry form and we will contact you.

• Public Sector: £260+VAT
• Voluntary Sector: £260+VAT
• Private Sector: £425.00+VAT