Widening participation through targeted management. Held at the Barbican Centre, London

Partnerships between HE and schools sit at the heart of the Government’s commitment to widening participation. Academies and Trust Schools are the next steps towards formalising longstanding local partnerships. If the Government’s objective of raising participation in HE towards 50% of those aged 18-30 is to be achieved these partnerships will become the key opportunity to nurture, influence and inspire the undergraduates of tomorrow. Bringing together senior managers and policy makers from across the 14-19 and HE sectors, this conference set out how to meet the practical challenges of partnerships between HE and schools whilst taking advantage of the unprecedented opportunities and incentives that collaboration provides.