The Study Higher Conference is an annual event where member institutions – further (FE) and higher education (HE) institutions across Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Oxfordshire and Berkshire – share best practices and experiences in promoting outreach and engagement with target pupils. Now in its fourth year, the conference accepts paper proposals from those wishing to share their expertise.

Emma Semi, Aspire Higher Project Officer at the University, has worked extensively to facilitate University students helping teach English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) in schools and colleges in Bedfordshire.

Most prominently, Emma played a key role in helping Applied Linguistics students Margareta Hajdo and Valeria Bragar get involved with leading English lessons in the area, which led to both students being offered Teaching Assistant roles.

Following this experience, Emma submitted a paper titled “Supporting ESOL students at FE colleges” and, having been chosen as a speaker, will share a presentation and answer questions on the projects she has been a part of.

Emma commented: “I am very pleased, as our ESOL project has been such a rewarding programme that keeps growing and it’s fantastic to be able to showcase this work.

“I feel I can share good working practice that other practitioners can take away and use for part of their work with further education colleges. I may also get other ideas or form other working relationships with different professionals in the sector.

“I think it is very important that universities share their findings as this is what we are about, we aren’t in competition with one another as we are here to support the education of young people and adult learners, and we should support each other more and share our expertise.”

The ESOL projects that Emma has run through Aspire Higher since 2020 have made a huge difference to children studying at schools and colleges in the area. Many of the children taking part in the programme are ‘looked after children’ who have been living in the UK for less than two years, benefitting from one-to-one help with their English skills as well as advice for post-school options.

Emma continued: “I am very excited to be speaking at the conference and people should register as it widens your knowledge in the sector but also shows that from this project, by working on one small initiative how it can grow quite quickly and build several external partnerships locally.

“I am so pleased that this initiative has continued to grow in the pandemic and the skillset that our own University of Bedfordshire students are gaining is another example to show what our projects can achieve, even in this uncertain time.”

Lu Morton, Head of Study Higher, added: “I'm very much looking forward to our upcoming conference, which this year focuses on sharing approaches to outreach delivery with adult learners, and best practices in working with further education colleges and their learners. 

“The conference will be a great opportunity for those working in access and widening participation to hear from sector experts and senior leaders on the topic in focus, as well as get ideas on relevant approaches to outreach from those already delivering successful projects. 

“We're delighted to have representation from a variety of universities, colleges, and other Uni Connect partnerships at the conference, including Emma Semi from the University of Bedfordshire led partnership, Aspire Higher. Emma will be showcasing her work with ESOL students, and highlighting the support delivered through the project to these young adults during such challenging times.”

The Study Higher Conference takes place virtually and registration is free for all attendees. The conference will run from 10am – 3pm on Friday 8^th October. Emma’s presentation will be from 12:00 – 12:45. To register for the conference, click here.

For more information about Aspire Higher at the University of Bedfordshire, visit: