Towns Like Us Sylvia GibbsHead of Widening ParticipationUniversity of Huddersfield

The geography of University LifeDreaming spiresHistoric cities Red brickModernist bubblesLocal Techs or University of Huddersfield

Impact in Huddersfield is two-wayPhysical presenceEconomic impactSocial impactKey to survival and innovationEssential part of the town

Town Gown RelationsLong history of fraught relationsBeing replaced by a new community and WP rolePromoted by HEIs, Gov and RDAs

What form does it take?What models are emerging?

Strategic models in HE(Layer, 2005)Partnership: HE within FE arrangementsRegeneration: HE access linked to local economic change and growthBuilding capacity: use of existing outreach centresShared campus: two or more universities combine to create a new facility

University of Huddersfield WP Mission Strategic Plan 2006-2010: The University is committed to its local community and to actively taking education to students in order to widen participation, as well as delivering excellence in teaching and enhancing students success

University of Huddersfield model

2 University Centres in Oldham and Barnsleyreplacing HE in FE additional capacityregeneration agendaWidening participation agendaCommunity engagement agendaOwn character Benefitting from the centre

Our approachTowns Like Us- transfer Huddersfield regeneration and WP experienceChoose areas in most needThe objective is to take HE to students in their own communities Built upon, a genuine partnership with willing partners, especially the Colleges and the Boroughs

Why Oldham and Barnsley?Worst under representation in HE

Chart1

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0.04545454550.04166666670.04761904760.05

Proportion of wards with young participation index

Situation been getting worse

The challenge in BarnsleyExclusion2004 Index of Multiple Deprivation: BMBC in 10% most deprived authorities (28th)56% of BMBC Super Output Areas fall within the 20% most deprived SOAs in health deprivation and disabilityHE; applications/enrolments2001: 88.9% with no degree (19th in UK); 41.1% no qualifications (10th in UK)1991-2001

The Challenge in OldhamThe highest percentage of the population with a Bangladeshi background in the North of England. At 8.6% this percentage is almost 16 times the national average. Percentage of population from the Pakistani ethnic minority is 12.4%. It is one of the highest in the North of England and is over nine times the national average. In some parts a white working-class culture with low educational aspirationsHigh index of deprivation reflected in a poor health record with a relatively high proportion, 19.2%, of those of working age who have limiting long term illnesses this percentage is some 42% above the national average. Low proportion of those in employment in professional and managerial occupations (16.7% c.f. national average of 26.3%)

The Real Challenge hard to recruit students in economically deprived areasWidening participation in these areas clearly represents a significant challenge for schools, colleges and HE providers as well as other stakeholders (KPMG HE Market Demand Assessment, 2003)

Academic and management issues

Academic and Management Issues at UCB and UCODistinct mission and curriculum a new kind of UniversityResponding to local emerging need is complexSome key on-site staff plus access to all services and staff at main site

Financial support to all Schools and Services

Achievements at UCBNew students dramatic increase in 200697% p/t; 64% f/tOverall headcount increase 27%HESES 2005 (headcount): FT 261 PT 214 2006 (headcount): FT 299 PT 303Widening participation locallymajority local (within 4/5 miles of campus)MOSAIC: Industrial Grit; Coronation St

12345678Top 8 postcodes for 06/07 entry. 50% of all new starters come from these 8 postcodesKey post code areas

Achievements at UCOOverall headcount increase over 3 years is 34%HESES 2004 (headcount): FT 384 PT 242HESES 2005 (headcount): FT 419 PT 369 2006 (headcount): FT 436 PT 408

Widening participation locallymajority localGood ethnic mixIncreasing numbers at OSFC to feed through

Achievements & ChallengesLots still to learnStudent numbers up but short of very ambitious target for 2006/07 Need to strengthen the identity of each Centre in local communitiesNeed different curriculum in each centreTowns are all different

Towns Like Us ? People and Place matterAll communities need their own solutions.