CPD

The Go Higher West Yorkshire CPD programme is funded by the Uni Connect programme and offers a wide range of virtual opportunities for teachers, educators and advisors who support young people aged 11- 18.
 
Our sessions aim to increase understanding of post 16 & 18 progression routes into and through Higher Education, and provide access to key updates and understanding of changes within the Further and Higher Education sector. Alongside this, we offer the unique opportunities to develop knowledge and understanding of underrepresented groups. 

Upcoming CPD Opportunities

Wednesday 11 March: All about Health and Social Care, Opportunities and HE Progression Routes, 3.00-4.30pm

Raise your awareness of free opportunities and course information in this rewarding and varied key sector

Would you like to know more about how you can support learners into Health and Social careers?

Join GHWY, HE providers, employers and HE students to explore exciting opportunities for learners to develop health and social skills and knowledge and to hear more about the routes into a variety of careers.

In the session

  1. We share up to date Labour Market Information
  2. HE providers share a wide range of progression pathways to improve your knowledge
  3. Hear the perspective of a current University of Bradford Student
  4. We spotlight resources to use on your careers or teaching programmes
  5. Share opportunities to network with contacts

Who is this session for? Subject teachers (such as Science, Health and Social, Psychology, Sociology, Maths), careers advisors and any professionals supporting young people on their next steps.

Register for our free webinar: All about Health and Social Care, Opportunities and HE Progression Routes

Thursday 30 April: All about the Creative Industries: Opportunities and HE Progression Routes, 3.00-4.30pm

Discover more about this key growth sector in our region, and how we can support learners to pursue creative careers

Learn more about this exciting growth industry in our region and how to apply to creative courses from HE professionals and students. This session offers an opportunity to develop your knowledge to support the learners you advise and to build relationships with stakeholders in the Creative Industries for your careers and subject programmes.

Session highlights

  • The Local and national labour market intelligence picture for the Creative Industries
  • The types of courses and pathways into creative industries careers and what the future roles in industry look like
  • Opportunities for learners to build skills and knowledge around Creative Industries careers

Who is this session for?

Teachers of creative subjects such as music, art, design technology, careers professionals and others supporting learners in their next steps of their education.

Register for our free webinar: All about the Creative Industries: Opportunities and HE Progression Routes

Thursday 7 May: Student Finance: Lifelong Learning Entitlement, 3.00-4.30pm

Smiling graduate wearing a mortarboard and gown, with other graduates blurred in the background.Keep abreast of the new student finance system which will replace previous higher education and some further education funding.

Do you advise learners on student finance? Keep up to date with information from the Student Loans Company about Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE), a new finance system which will replace previous higher education and some further education funding.

What to expect:

  • Discover all you need to know to support applicants from September 2026 applying for courses that start from January 2027
  • Understand what LLE is replacing and how the system will work
  • Key resources for you, learners and parents/ supporters

Who is this session for?

Any school, college and HE staff advising and supporting learners who are progressing to HE and some FE courses form September 2026.

Register for our free webinar: Student Finance- Lifelong Learning Entitlement

Thursday 14 May: UCAS Fair Access Updates 2026, 3.00-4.30pm

Group of students sitting around a table studying together, sharing books and notes in a bright indoor space.Using application data and trends, UCAS share insights and initiatives to support underrepresented learners when applying to HE

Would you like to know more about how we can support underrepresented learners on their HE journey?

Ellie Rowley, Policy and Strategy Manager, Widening Access and Participation at UCAS, will lead us through data and insights from the UCAS Fair Access programme. She will share initiatives that UCAS have developed to support underrepresented learners- those from groups less likely to progress to higher education.

Benefits of attending the session

  • Understand data insights about HE application for underrepresented groups
  • Discover practical resources and initiatives to support these groups to make informed decisions including those from GHWY

Who is this session for?

Those supporting and advising young people on next steps such as teachers, advisors, youth workers and HE outreach practitioners.

Register for our free webinar: UCAS Fair Access Updates 2026

Upcoming Conferences

Friday 10th July: GHWY Teachers’ and Advisers’ Conference - Leeds College of Building

The conference is open to anyone who supports young people to make informed decisions about their future, including teachers, careers professionals, local authority staff, youth workers, and other key influencers.

Register your interest to receive alerts when full registration opens, and when the agenda and speakers are confirmed for 2026.

Find out more and register your interest

CPD Newsletter

Join our ‘CPD’ mailing list and stay up to date with the latest opportunities.

Find out more

Access our eLearning courses

  • E-learning for HE staff to understand and support disabled students

    An online course that will provide you with knowledge, understanding and confidence to empower you to support disabled students in Higher Education (HE).   

    View course about E-learning for HE staff to understand and support disabled students

  • Understanding and Supporting Care Experienced/Estranged Students

    By the end of this course, you will have the knowledge, understanding and confidence that will empower you to support care experienced young people and estranged students in Higher Education (HE). The course may also be of interest to staff that work in counselling, careers or marketing in HE so they can better communicate with and/or provide support for these students.

    View course about Understanding and Supporting Care Experienced/Estranged Students

Catch-up on what you missed

View our previous CPD sessions as On Demand Webinars

  • Group of six diverse students collaborating around a laptop in a classroom, discussing work and looking engaged in a shared learning activity.

    Student Finance Updates 2026

    Facilitated by Go Higher West Yorkshire with expert input from the Student Loans Company, this concise session covers 2026/27 student finance updates, early 2027/28 insights (including LLE), and regional trends to support confident learner guidance.

    View Webinar about Student Finance Updates 2026

  • All about STEM, Opportunities for Learners and HE Progression Routes

    An on-demand CPD webinar for teachers, advisers and outreach staff exploring STEM progression routes. Hear regional Labour Market insights, higher education pathways, student experience, and discover free resources and outreach opportunities to support learners into STEM.

    View Webinar about All about STEM, Opportunities for Learners and HE Progression Routes

  • HE Careers Advice for Post-16 Learners - Sharing Best Practice

    Go Higher West Yorkshire recently hosted a CPD session for teachers, advisers and outreach staff on strengthening careers guidance for post-16 learners. The webinar shared key findings from the HE Careers Coaching Impact Report and showcased practical, inclusive approaches from Roundhay Sixth Form, all aligned with DfE guidance and the Gatsby Benchmarks.

    View Webinar about HE Careers Advice for Post-16 Learners - Sharing Best Practice

  • Education, laptop and typing with student friends in library of university together for learning or study. Computer, development or growth with serious men and women on college campus for scholarship

    The Diversity of HE Types in West Yorkshire

    Discover the diverse range of higher education opportunities in West Yorkshire. This webinar introduces HE in FE, conservatoires, and higher or degree apprenticeships, showcasing how different providers support varied learner needs and career goals. Gain practical insight to help you guide students towards the right higher education pathway.

    View Webinar about The Diversity of HE Types in West Yorkshire

  • Spotlight on Access to HE and Foundation Year Courses

    This webinar, aimed at teachers, advisers, and professionals supporting 18+ or mature learners, explored Access to HE and Foundation Year courses as valuable progression routes into higher education—covering benefits, how to apply, funding, and practical resources.

    View Webinar about Spotlight on Access to HE and Foundation Year Courses

  • A young woman in a graduation cap and gown holds up her diploma while smiling as a fellow graduate takes her photo with a smartphone. The background is blurred with greenery and a university setting.

    Understanding the UCAS Clearing Process (2025)

    Join Caroline Priestley (University of Bradford) for this informative session covering how to prepare for Clearing, what to do if learners over- or under-achieve, and key next steps.

    Ideal for careers professionals, educators, and parents/carers guiding young people or mature learners into higher education.

    View Webinar about Understanding the UCAS Clearing Process (2025)

  • UCAS Fair Access Programme Updates

    This UCAS Fair Access CPD webinar shares 2026 cycle updates, key data insights on underrepresented learners, and practical tools to support early engagement and informed applications. Aimed at educators and advisors, it offers clear guidance to help ensure fair access for all students.

    View Webinar about UCAS Fair Access Programme Updates

  • Image of students looking happy and positive.

    Supporting Disabled Learners on their Higher Education Journey

    This CPD session helps teachers and advisors support disabled learners transitioning to higher education. It covers accessing support, understanding DSA, key differences between school and university, and introduces practical resources including the Disabled Learners Transition Pack and staff e-learning.

    View Webinar about Supporting Disabled Learners on their Higher Education Journey

  • ‘Think and Go Higher’ programme: evidence briefing for strategic leaders

    This strategic webinar, held on 2nd April 2025, shared key findings from Go Higher West Yorkshire’s new evidence report Think and Go Higher 2023/24. Aimed at HE leaders, school and college decision-makers, policymakers, and evaluation professionals, the session explored the impact of GHWY’s metacognition programme on learner outcomes and inequalities.

    View Webinar about ‘Think and Go Higher’ programme: evidence briefing for strategic leaders

  • Student Finance Updates for 2025 Higher Education entrants

    Go Higher West Yorkshire, in collaboration with the Student Loans Company, recently hosted an online CPD session aimed at teachers, advisers, and practitioners supporting learners on their higher education journey.

    Sammie Hutchinson, Funding Information Services Account Manager at the Student Loans Company, delivered a comprehensive update on student finance for 2025 HE entrants—essential for anyone advising KS5 learners on how to apply for student finance.

    View Webinar about Student Finance Updates for 2025 Higher Education entrants

  • Changes to UCAS Personal Statements (academic year 25-26)

    Go Higher West Yorkshire, in collaboration with Advancing Access, hosted a CPD session on the recent personal statement reform, outlining the new process and offering expert guidance. Jennifer Barton, Student Recruitment Manager at Durham University, shared insights on supporting students through these changes. This webinar recording is ideal for professionals assisting post-16 learners with higher education applications in the UK.

    View Webinar about Changes to UCAS Personal Statements (academic year 25-26)

  • A woman in a red plaid shirt attentively listens to a man while discussing support in an educational office setting.

    Supporting Care Experienced Learners on their Higher Education Journey

    GHWY hosted a free CPD session on supporting Care Experienced learners in Higher Education. In collaboration with Inspiring Choices, we explored key challenges, collaborative approaches, and vital resources, including the Care Experienced Learners Transition Pack. Guest speakers shared insights and introduced the Destinations Festival, an exciting outreach opportunity for 2025.

    View Webinar about Supporting Care Experienced Learners on their Higher Education Journey

  • Creating Successful Outreach Projects for Males on Free School Meals

    This webinar, hosted by Go Higher West Yorkshire Uni Connect, explored strategies for creating impactful outreach projects targeting males on free school meals (FSM). The session featured Andy Griffith, an educational consultant and co-author of The Working Classroom, who shared insights on social mobility, engagement techniques, and best practices in outreach programmes.

    View Webinar about Creating Successful Outreach Projects for Males on Free School Meals

  • Post 16 Qualifications Landscape

    Boost your confidence in supporting young people with our free self-paced CPD webinar on the evolving post-16 qualifications landscape, including T Levels, BTECs, and key updates.

    View Webinar about Post 16 Qualifications Landscape

  • Image of colleagues training and discussing project plans

    Exploring Career Opportunities in Professional Services for Young People

    Delivered in collaboration with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, this Webinar provides an overview of the Professional Services sector.
    Joined by Lloyds, KPMG and Gordons LLP, these employers highlight key progression options and routes at post 16 and 18, as well as career paths and what employers are looking for in the sector.

    View Webinar about Exploring Career Opportunities in Professional Services for Young People

  • Understanding Careers in Digital & IT

    Delivered in collaboration with West Yorkshire Combined Authority, this Webinar  will provide an overview of the Digital and IT sector; highlighting key progression options and routes at post 16 and 18, as well as career paths and what employers are looking for in the sector.

    View Webinar about Understanding Careers in Digital & IT

  • GHWY Attainment Raising Programme: Successful delivery in the classroom (30 Jan 2024)

    This webinar is for teachers and practitioners who would like to know more about the Go Higher Attainment Raising programme and how they can deliver it in their own school. We provide an overview of the 6 session programme, key activities and lessons learnt to help inform your delivery of these resources.

    View Webinar about GHWY Attainment Raising Programme: Successful delivery in the classroom (30 Jan 2024)

  • Introduction to GHWY/WYCA Resources (Monday 22nd January 2024)

    In this webinar we welcome teachers and practitioners who want to learn more about the range of resources on offer through WYCA Future Goals platform and Go Higher West Yorkshire.

    These two organisations offer a wide range of free activities and resources for secondary schools and colleges, and this session is an opportunity to explore some of these in depth.

    View Webinar about Introduction to GHWY/WYCA Resources (Monday 22nd January 2024)

  • Harnessing lived experiences and stories to empower marginalised voices (Thursday 11th January 2024)

    In this Webinar, Syra Shakir, an Associate Professor in Learning and Teaching at Leeds Trinity University reflects on a student & staff co-creation project which used storytelling as a decolonized pedagogy to educate high school GCSE age young people on the 1947 Partition of India.

    Join us in redefining education for a brighter, more inclusive future!

    View Webinar about Harnessing lived experiences and stories to empower marginalised voices (Thursday 11th January 2024)

  • Alternative Routes into Healthcare - 16 Nov 2023

    This CPD session brings together three of Go Higher West Yorkshire’s member institutions. The University of Bradford, University of Leeds and University of Huddersfield present on a range of their healthcare courses, offering an insight into suggested routes for learners who may not be progressing onto medicine or dentistry. This session is useful for any teachers or practitioners who want to develop their knowledge on different healthcare courses and support young people into a variety of routes in this sector.

    View Webinar about Alternative Routes into Healthcare - 16 Nov 2023

  • GHWY Attainment Raising Dissemination

    The Uni Connect programme based in West Yorkshire piloted an attainment raising programme in five schools across the academic year 2022-23. In this session the team share their overview of the programme as well as the key outcomes.

    View Webinar about GHWY Attainment Raising Dissemination

  • Personal Statements with Advancing Access (Oct 2023)

    This session will enable teachers and advisers to effectively support students with the UCAS personal statement writing process.

    View Webinar about Personal Statements with Advancing Access (Oct 2023)

  • Medicine and Dentistry Routes & Alternative Routes - Oct 2023

    In this session, we’ll be joined by Mark Patterson, Educational Engagement Lead Officer at the University of Leeds, who will give an update on changes to the admissions landscape across the sector, as well as sharing some useful hints and tips for supporting your aspiring Medics and Dentists to successfully apply to HE this year.

    View Webinar about Medicine and Dentistry Routes & Alternative Routes - Oct 2023

  • Preparing learners to access careers support in Higher Education

    This online CPD session is designed for career and guidance professionals, offering crucial information about Careers support for learners transitioning to Higher Education. It provides an overview of available resources from first-year to post-graduation, including special assistance for underrepresented groups.

    View Webinar about Preparing learners to access careers support in Higher Education

  • Supporting Disabled Learners (25th May 2023)

    This session is aimed at practitioners who support and work with learners with a disability or additional needs.

    Please join us for an inspirational session focusing on increasing the confidence of students who may have additional needs when progressing into further/higher education and employment.

    View Webinar about Supporting Disabled Learners (25th May 2023)

  • How to use and communicate Labour Market Information within schools: a focus on LMI and LMI education, within West Yorkshire

    With a focus on LMI and LMI education within West Yorkshire, this session is aimed at teachers and careers advisors who are involved in designing and delivering careers education, advice and guidance to young people aged 11-18.

    View Webinar about How to use and communicate Labour Market Information within schools: a focus on LMI and LMI education, within West Yorkshire

  • Spotlight on Creative Arts and Industries’ session 4: Employers Perspective- Hear Straight from the Creative Sector

    In our Employer focused session, we are joined by two professionals within the creative industry to explore different careers within the sector.

    View Webinar about Spotlight on Creative Arts and Industries’ session 4: Employers Perspective- Hear Straight from the Creative Sector

  • ‘Spotlight on Creative Arts and Industries’ Session 3: Overview of Higher Education Opportunities

    Designed for teachers and advisors, this session will provide an overview of Higher Education courses and opportunities within the creative arts. We will be joined by two local universities within West Yorkshire, the University of Bradford and University Centre Leeds; to hear from a range of creative arts courses and discuss the opportunities and benefits available to learners at this level.

    View Webinar about ‘Spotlight on Creative Arts and Industries’ Session 3: Overview of Higher Education Opportunities

  • 'Spotlight on Creative Arts and Industries' session 2: Overview of Level 3 Opportunities

    Designed for teachers and advisors, this session will provide an overview of Level 3 courses designed to help young people to enter the creative arts.  We will have speakers from a range of institutions focusing on creative apprenticeships, T levels, and BTECs- as well as highlighting work opportunities and experiences open to learners whilst on these courses. 

    View Webinar about 'Spotlight on Creative Arts and Industries' session 2: Overview of Level 3 Opportunities

  • 'Spotlight on Creative Arts and Industries' session 1: Introduction and Overview of the Creative Industries

    This session is the first of four sessions designed to provide teachers and advisors with up-to-date information and the knowledge to advise on post 16 pathways and opportunities within the creative arts.

    View Webinar about 'Spotlight on Creative Arts and Industries' session 1: Introduction and Overview of the Creative Industries

  • Understanding the lived experiences of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students

    A CPD session aimed at teachers, careers advisors and higher education staff. Funded through Go Higher West Yorkshire Uni Connect Programme and delivered by Shames Maskeen, Lecturer in Developmental Psychology, Leeds Trinity University.

    View Webinar about Understanding the lived experiences of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students

  • GHWY Uni Connect CPD: Preparing students for additional admissions tests and interviews

    This training session will help develop your knowledge and ability to prepare students for upcoming HE interviews and additional tests.

    View Webinar about GHWY Uni Connect CPD: Preparing students for additional admissions tests and interviews

  • GHWY Uni Connect CPD: Exploring Apprenticeships (02/02/23)

    This training session will help develop your knowledge and ability to advise on the current apprenticeship process and opportunities.

    View Webinar about GHWY Uni Connect CPD: Exploring Apprenticeships (02/02/23)

  • GHWY Uni Connect CPD: Supporting Students to Make Choices at 18 (16.01.23)

    This session will focus on helping teachers and advisers to support students to make higher education choices. Participants will be encouraged to consider the best support for students deciding on a suitable degree subject, by thinking about career ambitions or pursuing areas of academic interest.

    View Webinar about GHWY Uni Connect CPD: Supporting Students to Make Choices at 18 (16.01.23)

  • Cover of disabled learners transition pack

    GHWY Uni Connect CPD: Disabled Learners Transition Pack Launch (17.11.22)

    Find out more about the GHWY Disabled Learner Transition Pack to support learners with additional requirements and support.

    View Webinar about GHWY Uni Connect CPD: Disabled Learners Transition Pack Launch (17.11.22)

  • GHWY Uni Connect CPD: Basic Social Media Training - Jul 2022

    Learn about different types of social media platforms and understand the latest trends.

    View Webinar about GHWY Uni Connect CPD: Basic Social Media Training - Jul 2022