Time 

Session 

Location 

8:30 – 9:30 

OPTIONAL Early Bird Session: Discover Durham Tour  

Walking tour of Durham city and campus, led by a current student ambassador guide. The tour will begin at the reception of Collingwood College and take you around our Lower Mountjoy site (going inside the Teaching and Learning Centre and Palatine Centre) and then into the city centre via the Bailey and Palace Green. It will finish at the Waterside Building where the conference will take place. 

Durham City  

(Please meet at Collingwood College reception) 

9:30-10:00  

Registration and Refreshments 

Waterside Building 

10:00-10:10 

Welcome and Introduction 

Waterside Building 

10:10-10:30 

Keynote- The Admissions Landscape: Trends, Data and Durham's Response 

Jon Batty- Director of Student Recruitment and Admissions & Deputy Academic Registrar

The session will cover sector-level developments and patterns in recruitment, and Durham's response to the challenges. It will also highlight some of Durham's targets over the next four years and how this might impact schools within our local regions. 

Waterside Building 

10:30-11:00 

The Future of Access and Participation at Durham 

Ross Wilkinson- Head of Widening Access and Participation 

This session outlines Durham University’s evolving approach to widening participation, showcasing key access routes including Next Gen Durham, Destination Durham, STEP, Asian Access and the Sutton Trust pathways to undergraduate study. Attendees will gain clarity on how these programmes support students from under‑represented backgrounds and how teachers can help pupils navigate these opportunities.   

Waterside Building 

11:00-11:35 

Roundtable discussion: Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper 

Facilitated by Ross Wilkinson- Head of Widening Access and Participation 

This roundtable critically explores the Post‑16 Education and Skills White Paper, focusing on its implications for regional skills planning, progression pathways and post‑18 outcomes. Participants will consider how schools, colleges and universities can respond collectively through place‑based partnerships and closer collaboration with Post‑16 providers.   

Waterside Building 

11:35-11:45 

Refreshments and Comfort Break 

Waterside Building 

11:45-12:30 

Durham's Collegiate System: My Experience 

Durham Student Ambassadors 

A student-led session providing an overview of Durham’s collegiate system and the wider student experience, including a current student Q&A. 

Waterside Building 

12:30-13:00 

Lunch and Networking 

A buffet lunch will be provided. 

Waterside Building 

13:00-13:45 

Durham University Discussion Panel and Q&A 

Representatives from across Durham University-TBC 

This panel discussion explores the evolving landscape of university access, outreach and widening participation, including the challenges and opportunities in accessing higher education and supporting student transitions. Through discussion and Q&A, panellists will consider how schools and universities can work together more effectively to widen participation and strengthen outreach practice.   

Waterside Building 

13:45-14:30 

Ask Admissions: Supporting Competitive Applications, Personal Statements and Reference Writing 

Undergraduate Admissions Team 

Hear insights from our admissions selectors on writing effective personal statements and references, and tips on supporting applications to competitive courses. 

Waterside Building 

14:30-14:45 

Refreshments and Comfort Break 

Waterside Building 

14:45-15:30 

Graduate Futures at Durham: Outcomes, Opportunities and Support 

Kathryn Smith- Senior Careers and Information Manager 

Meet our Senior Careers and Information Manager who will provide an overview of the comprehensive Careers and Enterprise support available to Durham University’s students and graduates.  Drawing on Durham’s graduate outcomes data, we will also explore the value of a degree in today’s competitive job market. The presentation will conclude with a Q&A, offering the opportunity to ask questions and gain practical insights.

Waterside Building 

15:30-16:00 

Roundtable discussion- How can schools and colleges best support their students with post-18 options? 

Facilitated by the Schools Outreach & Widening Participation Team 

An interactive opportunity for delegates to discuss the successes and challenges of supporting students with post-18 options and share best practice. 

Waterside Building 

16:00 

Thanks and Departure