In the last two years there has been a 40% decrease in the number of mature students participating in university study. This has serious implications for widening participation - and for the economy.  Social groups under-represented in higher education often choose to take up their studies later in life rather than at 18 so it is important that the HE sector continues to provide that opportunity. The need for a highly skilled workforce is a national priority at this time of economic uncertainty and to achieve this we cannot rely solely on education and training for younger age groups but need to develop the skills of the existing adult workforce. This conference will give participants the opportunity to:

• review the application and progression patterns over the last few years
• explore the reasons for the decline in mature student applications
• develop practical strategies for recruiting and supporting mature students

The keynote speakers are:Tricia King, Pro-Vice-Master for Student Experience and Director of External Relations Birkbeck, University of London – on attracting and retaining older learners

Fiona Hoban, Policy Adviser, UUK – reporting on UUK review of Part-time and Mature HE

Katy Morris, Head of Policy and Research, Million+ joint author of ‘Never too Late to Learn’

For further information and to register, please contact Michelle Smith at: [email protected].

With best wishes,

Lucy

Lucy A Bate MSc

Administrator
Universities Association for Lifelong Learning