The University’s Executive Dean for Academic Partnerships Professor Helen Bailey welcomed the delegates to the conference and told them about the Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes Collaborative Network.

Delegates from local schools, colleges and councils heard from experts in the education sector, shared best practice, and attended workshops that looked at a range of subjects. These included how technology can enhance the classroom experience and how teachers can help their students access the maths they need to fulfil their aspirations.

They also heard from past and current students from the University, who shared their experience of Higher Education, from applying to come to university through to graduation, and explored the nature and diversity of the student journey.

Adam Chapman, a Personal Development Coach from Tresham College in Northamptonshire, said: “I’m hoping to get more information on advice and guidance that I can give to my learners. I’m looking forward to networking and gaining more information about the advice and guidance available to students in further education colleges.”

The University’s Vice Chancellor Bill Rammell told the delegates: “As individual schools, colleges and universities, we will all be facing our own challenges over the next few years.

“It is imperative that we work together more closely than ever to ensure that our students continue to be enabled to identify who and what they want to be, and continue to be helped on the path to achieving their goals.”