New initiative helps young people access higher education

_{A series of events will support school leavers into further and higher education.}

SRUC has joined universities in the north and north-east of Scotland in a unique project to help young people from the region move into further and higher education.

Scottish Government data from 2019-20 showed that Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland all recorded decreases in young people moving into higher education, further education, training, voluntary work or employment after school, with Aberdeen City returning the lowest rates in the country.

Since the figures were published, young people in the region have also had to contend with the Covid pandemic which resulted in significant disruption to schooling.

To tackle this decline, teams from SRUC, the University of Aberdeen, Robert Gordon University (RGU), and the University of the Highlands and Islands have joined together to run a series of events over the next academic year to help young people who may be considering college or university in the future.

Online evening sessions will cover topics such as career planning, college and university courses, UCAS applications and personal statements. The sessions will also be recorded for young people who have other after school commitments.

In addition, there will be supportive sessions for teachers and parents. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions at the events and afterwards, and pupils can be directed to support projects as appropriate.

Hannah D’Mellow, Marketing and Student Recruitment Manager at SRUC, said: “This is a lovely opportunity for us to work with colleagues in universities across the north of Scotland, and a great way to present a whole range of opportunities to young people across the region, in a format that is easiest for them to access.”

For more information or to sign up, visit: North of Scotland Universities Collaborative Project events.

Posted by SRUC on 22/09/2021