Go Higher West Yorkshire CPD webinar exploring UCAS fair access data, application cycle insights, and practical resources for advisors and practitioners working with underrepresented groups in West Yorkshire. Presented with Liz Lloyd (Advisor Lead, UCAS) alongside GHWY colleagues.

Featuring: UCAS application funnel data, disability declaration trends, care leaver fee waivers, the UCAS Hub student tools, and GHWY resources including the Care to Go Higher CPD programme, transition packs for care-experienced and disabled learners, the West Yorkshire Boys’ Impact Hub, and the Teachers & Advisers Conference.

00:00 Welcome and programme introduction
About GHWY, Uni Connect, and what to expect from today’s session.

06:52 UCAS fair access: the application funnel
Liz Lloyd (UCAS) sets the scene — from 1M registrations to accepted students, and what causes drop-off at each stage.

09:27 Application cycle data and regional entry rates
Record application numbers, the rising 18-year-old cohort, and how entry rates vary significantly by region.

11:44 Disability disclosure and the ‘More About You’ section
How UCAS encourages early disclosure, expanded multi-select disability options, and why sharing information early leads to better outcomes.

14:14 Scholarships, bursaries, and care-experienced applicants
Bursary listings now appear alongside course search results. Growing numbers of estranged and care-experienced students, with dedicated toolkits.

19:22 UCAS Hub: free tools for students
Subject tasters, careers quiz, CV builder, personal statement support, and virtual work experience via Springpod — all free.

24:14 Discovery events, fee waivers, and living at home
In-person UCAS events with quiet zones, the free school meals fee waiver, and a growing trend of students choosing to study near home.

27:43 Advisor portal: new features and outreach connections
Track what your students are exploring on the Hub, and find university outreach opportunities — summer schools, work experience, early starts — in one place.

29:46 Care leaver fee waiver and application updates
New fee waiver for care leavers from the 2027 cycle. Students can now upload supporting documents directly to their application.

34:25 Q&A with Liz Lloyd
Questions from attendees, plus key resources and contact details for the UCAS advisor support team.

42:49 Care to Go Higher CPD programme
GHWY’s free six-week programme for anyone supporting care-experienced young people into HE — social workers, foster carers, designated teachers.

48:56 Disabled learners: transition pack and staff e-learning
GHWY’s student-voice-led transition pack, plus a free 45-minute e-learning course to help staff make confident, proactive adjustments.

52:41 West Yorkshire Boys’ Impact Hub
A regional network tackling underrepresentation among boys from disadvantaged backgrounds, part of a national hub network.

54:50 Teachers & Advisers Conference and close
GHWY’s HE diversity conference — sold out at 100 attendees, waitlist open. Sign up to the newsletter and upcoming CPD sessions.