Aimhigher fits the Bill

New Minister for lifelong learning, further and higher education Bill Rammell MP paid a visit to Edge Hill to address the first regional Aimhigher conference held at the Ormskirk Campus.

The minister spoke to around 200 delegates, who work on Aimhigher projects across the north west encouraging those underrepresented in higher education to further their studies.

The conference, Raising Achievement and Increasing Access to Higher Education, coincided with the results of an interim report by the Department for Education and Skills that suggests that teenagers targeted by Aimhigher raise their aspirations and improve their exam results. The programme included practical workshops and seminars with young people from the north west from primary schools through to colleges and 6th forms.

Mr Rammell, who moved from the Foreign Office to Education following the general election said: "I have had a busy four to six weeks in my new role but the most rewarding aspect is in raising the aspirations of young people. I am especially pleased to be in north west region, as you have a strong track record of developing links in colleges with higher education."

Acknowledging the achievements of Aimhigher Mr Rammell was also keen to stress that there is some way to go to reach the Government target of 50% of young people entering higher education

"Aimhigher has made real progress, but the higher education experience for young people is still too rare and has barely changed over the last two or three generations. I was the first to attend university in my family and it transformed my life. Working with schools is very important and improving pupil attainment is key in raising aspirations."

Following the address to the Aimhigher conference Mr Rammell went on to perform a "topping out" ceremony at Edge Hill?s new £5million Centre for Performing Arts. Commenting on the visit to Edge Hill he said:

"There?s a real energy and vibrancy about the place. You?re doing a huge amount of work in opening up access to students, mature students in particular."