The University of Chichester’s award-winning programme, Adversity to University, was selected as a key case study to feature in the Hour of Awesome at The Venn: University Leaders Forum, which took place on 24 June at The Royal Society, London.
The event brought together a variety of stories from universities making a difference, including University College London (UCL), the University of Bristol, King’s College London, and the University of Edinburgh.
Titled “Adversity to University (A2U): Redefining Who Higher Education Is For,” the Chichester case study highlighted how the evidence-led initiative is addressing inequalities in access to higher education.
Becky Edwards, co-founder of the A2U programme and Senior Lecturer at the University, spoke at the forum, describing the impact the programme has had on its graduates. In it, she introduced Phil, a 2024 graduate with a 2:1 in Sociology. She told the audience: “He got a job straight away after graduating and rented a cool flat where his son sometimes stays, and now he’s considering doing an apprenticeship. A success story. But six years ago, Phil was a homeless alcoholic sleeping on a park bench in Brighton.”
The 5-minute presentation was a call to action to universities, ending with a quote from Alan Milburn’s latest report on NEETs in the UK: “The system loses people not because they vanish, but because no one is looking,”
Becky explored the civic responsibility of universities to search within their local communities for the lost potential hidden in plain sight, and the importance of removing the barriers created by conventional entry requirements. Using the truism that while potential is everywhere, opportunity is not, Becky called on universities to lead the way by creating new opportunities that can reshape lives and futures.
At the heart of A2U is a 12-week bridging course designed to build academic capability alongside essential employability skills. Participants receive continuous, long-term support before, during and beyond the programme, ensuring not only access to higher education and employment, but sustained success.
The programme has achieved exceptional outcomes:
- 100% of participants affected by homelessness who progress through A2U secure stable housing and employment.
- 100% of prison participants who complete A2U move into higher education or employment on release.
With more than 400 participants supported to date, A2U delivers meaningful impact which align to national priorities around social mobility, skills and economic participation.
Olivia McLaughlin, Chief Operating Officer at the University, said: “We are proud to showcase A2U at this national forum alongside other leading institutions. This work demonstrates what is possible when universities actively redefine inclusion and commit to changing the system.”
Becky Edwards added: “The Venn awesome hour was an incredible opportunity to have a platform for what we do and how we do it. I was overwhelmed by the positive response and hope it will help A2U grow.”
The inclusion of A2U in the Hour of Awesome recognises its role as a leading example of innovation and impact in widening participation and reshaping the future of higher education.