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- Research & Evidence
- HEAT Track Impact Reports
- Contextualised HE Entry Track Impact Report
Our latest research shows that sustained outreach makes a measurable difference to student progression into higher education (HE)—especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Key Finding 1
Intensive outreach boosts higher education entry by up to 29%
Students who took part in an intensive outreach package* were up to 29% more likely to enter higher education than a matched group of peers who received minimal outreach.
Relative likelihood of recipients of intensive outreach to enter higher education (HE) at age 18 or 19 compared to a matched comparator group with minimal outreach.
Key Finding 2
The biggest gains are for students from disadvantaged backgrounds
Students eligible for free school meals saw up to a 48% increase in higher education entry if they received intensive outreach support compared to a closely matched group of peers.
Key Finding 3
Uni Connect delivers the biggest gains for free school meal learners
The largest relative increase in higher education entry for students eligible for free school meals was seen amongst those who participated in Uni Connect-funded outreach.
Relative likelihood of recipients of intensive outreach eligible for free school meals (FSM) to enter higher education (HE) at age 18 or 19 compared to a matched comparator group with minimal outreach.
Key Finding 4
Intensive outreach increases access to selective higher education providers
Students receiving intensive outreach from high tariff universities were up to 19% more likely to enter a high tariff higher education institution than similar students who received minimal outreach.
Relative likelihood of recipients of intensive outreach by a high tariff provider to enter higher education (HE) at age 18 or 19 at a selective university compared to a matched comparator group with minimal outreach
Key Finding 5
Compelling evidence for sustained outreach across Key Stages 4 and 5
Outreach that spans both Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 is especially effective for free school meal students — highlighting the value of sustained support throughout secondary education.
Relative likelihood of recipients of intensive outreach pre- and post-16 eligible for free school meals (FSM) to enter higher education (HE) at age 18 or 19 compared to a matched comparator group with minimal outreach.
About the Method
This research uses a quasi-experimental matched comparator group approach, controlling for prior attainment and socio-economic background to isolate the impact of outreach. It builds on HEAT’s HESA Track research by incorporating new data points and more robust matching, strengthening the evidence base for the effectiveness of outreach.
* An intensive package of outreach is defined as engagement in at least 11 hours of outreach activity, out of which at least eight hours are of a high intensity activity content (Activity Types: HE Campus Visit, HE Subject Insight, Mentoring, Skills & Attainment, Summer School). To find out more about the definition of an ‘intensive package of outreach’ and ‘minimal outreach’ download the full Report.
Read the Report
Read the full report for detailed findings, analysis, and what is next for this type of impact research.
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Uni Connect HESA Track Impact Report
Learn more about the outreach engagement recorded by HEAT Uni Connect members, and the impact of Uni Connect on Higher Education Progression.