Next Steps South West is a collaboration of fourteen partner universities and colleges throughout Cornwall, Devon and Somerset.
We are one of 29 partnerships in the national Uni Connect programme, funded by the Office for Students, who are sponsored by the Department for Education. In addition to our core members, we also work collaboratively with local authorities, local enterprise partnerships, and other third parties.
The aim of Uni Connect is to rapidly increase the number of young people from underrepresented groups going into higher education. We deliver outreach to students in target schools and colleges through a sustained and progressive programme of campus visits and workshops. These are designed to help young people navigate their own personal journey and achieve what they need to, to enter higher education. We support in addressing any barriers that may be preventing them from doing so. We give impartial information and advice on all aspects of higher education, including UCAS, student finance and alternative options and pathways.
By raising aspirations and expectations via meaningful encounters, we support students to make informed decisions about their futures. We evaluate the impact of all of our work, and track students who progress into higher education.
Our work in schools and colleges is complemented by our online resources, including our partner films, case studies and podcast series. These are available on our website, along with information on local events and national open days. We also have a career finder tool and signpost to other websites with current, relevant information that can help with decisions on career choices, and how to pursue them.