Aimhigher West Midlands is a partnership of universities working to support learners who face a number of challenges to broaden their horizons and make informed decisions about their future educational and career choices.

The Aimhigher West Midlands partnership has been funded by its university members since 2009 and has a strong reputation across the region for providing quality, impartial information, advice and guidance.

We use robust evaluation tools and methodologies to determine what works and these have been highlighted as good practice by HEFCE, OFFA, Office for Students, The Sutton Trust and HEA. Our evaluation plan was rated as excellent by the Office for Students and is seen as best practice within the sector. Our plan was heavily referenced within the OfS good practice guide to support other Uni Connect consortia in the development of their evaluation plans.

Feedback from students indicates that the opportunities provided have increased their knowledge of higher education, raising awareness of the benefits and the importance of choosing a path that is right for them. A West Midland’s student said, “I thought there was one set route but now I know there are lots of ways to get into it.” We appreciate young people’s individuality and the value of different strengths and skills, while working to identify how these skills could enhance future careers.