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About

About GROWS

Gloucestershire

GROWS is a partnership of the six Gloucestershire based universities and colleges.

University of Gloucestershire (lead)
Royal Agricultural University (RAU)
Gloucestershire College
Cirencester College
Hartpury University
South Gloucestershire & Stroud College (SGS)

The partnership works with schools across Gloucestershire to support students aged 11-18 to make informed decisions about their future education and career options.

GROWS and partners provide a range of engaging activities, events and resources for teachers, young people and their parents in Gloucestershire. Our core aim is to encourage young people to explore the possibility of progressing to higher education (university-level study).

The support we offer is intended to allow participants to:

  • become motivated and confident about their learning and progression

  • explore the world of higher education and what it could mean for them

We aim to:

  • raise awareness of the benefits of higher education (HE)

  • raise awareness of the variety of HE options and pathways

GROWS is a single point of contact for schools, learners and their parents to access resources and activities related to educational progression.

There are two distinct strands to our outreach work: Targeted Outreach and Outreach Hub work.

Uni Connect Targeted Outreach

The Office for Students (OfS) Uni Connect targeted outreach programme aims to reduce the HE progression gaps in targeted geographical wards across England. Through this project, pupils from Year 9 upwards who live in target wards are able to access a range of events and opportunities that support them to make informed decisions about their futures and raise awareness of and aspirations towards university level study.

The project predominantly works with ten key schools selected by the number of learners who fit the postcode selection criteria. It involves the delivery of a range of initiatives both in and out of school for both pupils and parents. For more information or to check a postcode go to the targeted outreach pages.

Outreach Hub

The Outreach Hub offers support to all Gloucestershire schools but in particular supports those learners with low progression rates to higher education. The Hub has three main strands: signposting, support and strategic engagement. For more information refer to the outreach hub page.