Objectives
We have adopted the national objectives of Aimhigher, as set out in the planning guidance, for Northamptonshire:
- to raise aspirations and motivation to enter HE among young people in schools, further education and workplace learning, who are from under-represented groups
- to raise the attainment of potential HE students, who are from under-represented groups, so that they gain the academic or vocational qualifications and learning skills that will enable them to enter HE
- to strengthen progression routes into vocational courses, including Modern Apprenticeships, whether they are delivered in schools, colleges or the workplace
- to raise students' aspirations to attend HE and to apply to the institution and/or course best able to match their abilities
- to improve the attainment, aspirations, motivation and self-esteem of gifted and talented young people aged 14-19; and the quality of identification, provision and support for those students in schools and colleges
The Northampton Plan now offers three strands of activity:
Strand 1 will be inclusive of all secondary schools, colleges and training providers who will identify a widening participation cohort to take part in activities designed to raise aspirations and attainment.
Strand 2 is a targeted strand involving schools and colleges in areas with the greatest social disadvantage/and or performing below the county average at Lever 2 and Level 3
Strand 3 focused strand bringing together HE, FE, Training providers and schools to raise awareness, understanding and articulation of vocational and work-based progression routes.
Who is targeted?
- Young people on academic or vocational/work related programmes
- Young people from backgrounds where further and higher education in not a tradition
- Those from low participation neighbourhood, or those from lower social economic groups
- People from groups under-represented in higher education, e.g. minority ethnic groups and disabled people
