Birmingham City University Accelerate Programme 2021 - 2026

BCU Partnership

This 5 year fully funded programme aims to raise attainment for targeted disadvantaged pupils and ensure they can maximise their educational success and future prospects.

It utilises a range of evidence-based approaches including small group tuition, literacy interventions, parental engagement sessions and aspiration raising initiatives. (masterclasses)

Evidence suggests that pupils who have at least four meaningful employer engagements between Year 7-11 were 86% less likely to become NEET than those that had no such encounters (Mann, A. et al, 2017).

This programme has delivered 49 meaningful encounters this year 2022-2023

 BCU Accelerate Programme

This programme aims to raise attainment for disadvantaged pupils and ensure they can maximise their educational success and future prospects. It utilises a range of evidence-based approaches including small group tuition, literacy interventions, parental engagement sessions and aspiration raising initiatives.

Evidence suggests that pupils who have at least four meaningful employer engagements between Year 7-11 were 86% less likely to become NEET than those that had no such encounters (Mann, A. et al, 2017).

This programme has delivered 49 meaningful encounters this year 2022-2023

Supporting Literature

On average, evidence suggests that pupils who attend a summer school make approximately three additional months’ progress compared to similar pupils who do not attend a summer school

EEF’s literature review on non-cognitive skills suggest that character-related approaches can be most effective for improving attainment when they are specifically linked to learning. BCU have delivered 18 character related workshops this academic year.

Raising aspirations in education and society

Through widening participation, we aim to support aspirations and attainment.

Supporting pupils to meet or exceed their minimum expected grade. (Grow a Grade)

68% Year 7 core pupils had higher attendance in BCU lessons compared to their average school attendance.

48% Year 8 core pupils had higher attendance in BCU lessons compared to their average school attendance. 

Improving parental/carer engagement, educating all with their child's future choices after 3 stages in their education.(KS3,KS4 and KS5)

Supporting pupils with progression routes and choices through their educational journey. I am BCU

32% of Year 13 students applied to BCU 2022

28% of Year 13 students attended Birmingham City University

 The story so far

Year 7: Masterclasses, Workshops, Literacy Programme, Channel 4

Year 8: Masterclasses, Workshops, STEM Days

Year 9: Careers, Channel 4, mentoring

Year 10: Summer Residential

Year 12: Mentoring, UCAS preparation and process, BCU Campus Day, Literacy Tutoring

Year 13: Mentoring, Student Finance, UCAS clearing

In total 49 encounters 2023

Headlines

Pupil Voice

I have enjoyed the competitive challenges this year. I want to graduate with this programme and now go to BCU.

I have enjoyed the STEM aspect and Dreadlock Alien poetry sessions. I cannot believe I made up a poem and got to rap it with Kurly.

I enjoyed the day at BCU campus, I learned a lot about university and the different courses.

I really enjoyed the day at the Jewellery Quarter campus and having a masterclass about diamonds. I want to work for Tiffany's jewellers now.

I didn’t know what BCU lessons were and why I was chosen. I have enjoyed these lessons in year 7 and it helped me work with others who were not my friends. The challenges got me thinking and I achieved a 100% attendance.

I really enjoyed the residential, I would like to go to university now. I especially enjoyed the day in Media, I think I might look into this career a lot more now.

The study skills session help me understand the importance of keeping organised. The pressure of ‘A’ levels is immense and I have learned a variety of methods to help me revise.

This year we have chose our options for GCSE, having BCU sessions last year help me decide what subjects to pick for my dream job. I want to be a lawyer and listening to the BCU students who study Law  helped me look into Law a lot more. I know there are different pathways and how important my GCSE grades are and what subjects to choose when I get to Sixth Form. I am excited to work hard and achieve my dream.

 Parent/Carer Voice

 uThank you so much for allowing my daughter to go on the STEM day, she really enjoyed it and wants to go into engineering.

I would like to be invited to the celebration events, so I can see how my child is rewarded.

My son and I loved the BCU Careers Fair and having the time to talk to the people from the forces.

My child has been exposed to so many different careers throughout this year and now has a clear plan of action.

This opportunity was not around when I was at school, I cannot believe BCU have taken the time to provide such exciting experiences. My child will not miss school if he has BCU.

 Staff Voice 

This is an amazing opportunity for our pupils, it will be interesting to see the impact on their attainment. This will raise their aspirations and give them information to support their future intentions.

Thank you for these experiences that will prevent some of our vulnerable students from giving up. You have given them a sense of purpose and the desire to strive for more.

Thank you for all the masterclasses, assemblies and visits to expose  our pupils to a variety of experiences that can help shape their future.

We are so fortunate to have this programme which is targeting pupils that float through school. It will help them make informed decisions about their options. My year group enjoyed the Chanel 4 sessions and taking part in the finals of the National Careers challenge with Natwest. More of my pupils want the opportunity to be part of this programme.

The BCU Accelerate Programme is delivered by staff from universities and colleges, careers advisers, motivational speakers and employers. We also work with current BCU students and recent graduates, who we train as ambassadors or coachers to act as positive role models and mentors for young people. All staff working with BCU Accelerate are Criminal Records Bureau / DBS checked and trained in child protection.

For more information about the BCU Accelerate programme please visit our website:

BCU Accelerate