The conference, held at the University’s Bedford campus, featured a keynote talk from Dan Beynon from education marketing company SMRS, who showcased the Revisions & Decisions project, which saw SMRS follow a group of young people as they made their way through Year 12 right up to university.

Matthew Welbourn, UCAS’ Professional Development Manager, took guests through planned changes to the UCAS application process for 2018 and how teachers and advisers can support young people through the process.

Breakout sessions were also available to guests to learn more about specific topics, such as higher level apprenticeships, routes into teaching, student finance and support for STEM related subjects.

Yasemin Akaydin, Head of Year at Enfield Grammar School, said: “I have found today so enlightening. It has been interesting to see how much students can gain through research and that there is so much out there that I can signpost them to.”

Olubunmi Ade-El, a Trainee Personal Adviser with Luton Council, said: “Today has been very informative. In particular I found the session about how to write a personal statement for UCAS extremely helpful, as this is something I can share with my clients.”

The University’s Head of Student Recruitment David Seaton said: “The University is committed to supporting local schools and colleges and local education partners by providing up to date information regarding changes in the Higher Education sector.  

“The conference focused on the current and future trends in Higher Education and student progression. This sat alongside our intensive external relations programme which supports student progression from our partner schools and colleges.”

To register your interest for next year’s Teachers & Advisers Conference, please contact Lee Bowling at lee.bowling@beds.ac.uk