Shadow Education Secretary visits Sheffield Hallam

30th October 2017

Angela Rayner MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Education, visited Sheffield Hallam University today to meet students and learn more about work to widen access to higher education.

Along with local MP Paul Blomfield, the Shadow Secretary of State talked to students about their experiences within higher education, whilst also learning more about some of Sheffield Hallam's work to attract and support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Sheffield Hallam's student body is 96% state-educated against a national average of 90% - with 41% of students from low-income backgrounds, significantly more than the national average of 33%. The University works in partnership with over 150 schools and over 47,000 students participate in outreach engagement activity on an annual basis, the majority of whom are from neighbourhoods with historically low numbers going on to university. As a result 68% of those taking part in this activity felt more positive about going to university. Sheffield Hallam also offers a range of support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and under-represented groups such as care leavers, carers, mature students and disabled students. This includes bursaries, scholarships, one on one support, drop-in sessions, peer support groups, buddying schemes and specialist careers advice and support. Angela Rayner MP said: "It was great to visit Sheffield Hallam and have the opportunity to meet students, hearing more about their stories and experiences within higher education. "Widening access to university is an important agenda, so I was encouraged to learn about the scope and ambition of Sheffield Hallam's efforts to attract and support students from disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds." Professor Chris Husbands, Vice-Chancellor of Sheffield Hallam University, said: "We were delighted to host this visit and have the chance to demonstrate our commitment to extending the benefits of higher education to more people from the most disadvantaged backgrounds. "Everyone should have access to the best opportunities so that they can flourish, regardless of race, gender, disability or circumstance. "This belief goes right to the heart of what Sheffield Hallam is all about. It's why we put so much effort into ensuring that every single student who comes to Sheffield Hallam facing significant disadvantage receives the support they need to succeed."