THERE has been an increase of more than a quarter of applications from local secondary schools and colleges for places at the University of Bradford.

The increase follows a campaign run by the university to get more young people from Bradford into higher education.

There has been a 27 per cent increase in the number of 17 and 18-year-olds applying to study at the University of Bradford, with increased numbers from all areas of the Bradford district.

This increase is being put down to a combination of outreach work and a new progression scheme introduced by the university in September last year.

Outreach activities have included one-to-one guidance from outreach and widening participation officer Beth Crossfield with students across the district’s schools and colleges, mentoring services, campus visits, workshops, transition activities and financial support.

The progression scheme run by the university is open to applicants from areas with low progression into higher education, care leavers or young people who were previously looked after, asylum seekers, refugees and mature applicants.

These applicants automatically receive an offer which is the equivalent of one A-Level grade lower than the standard entry criteria, and are given the opportunity to attend a number of events on campus to support their transition from schoool into higher education.

Mark Garratt, director of external affairs at the University of Bradford, said: “We have a fantastic outreach team who deliver some brilliant workshops in schools.

“The introduction of our progression scheme to help underrepresented groups gain access to higher education is seeing real results and reinforcing our commitment to get more young people into higher education.”

John Tomlinson, progress leader post 16 at St. Benedict’s Sixth Form in Heaton, added: “Many of our students are amongst the first generation in their family to consider university as an option.

“Our students have been able to see with their own eyes what life at university is like through a series of successful workshops and seminars.

“These have not just promoted the exciting opportunities the University of Bradford can offer our young people.

“I am most grateful for the support and relationship that the team have offered the school, my students and indeed staff in school.

“Without them I am sure that a number of students would not have made the choice to attend university; they have in short, changed lives.”

The University said it is committed to widening access to higher education.