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UCAS Teachers and Advisers Conference 2026

  • Tue 24 February 2026 - 09:30 to 16:45
    Wed 25 February 2026 - 08:30 to 16:00
  • The Eastside Rooms
  • Birmingham
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Motivating boys to be successful students

Tuesday 24 February 2026 14:10 - 14:55
open to all
open to all

Summary

In 2023/24, just 24% of boys eligible for free school meals in England achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English and Maths—and fewer than 17% of White British and White and Black Caribbean boys progressed to higher education by age 19. 
 
This session explores how targeted outreach and early intervention can help change those outcomes. Featuring the University of East Anglia’s UniBoys programme, which worked with over 50 boys across Norwich and North Suffolk schools, we’ll share practical strategies that boosted engagement and aspirations through workshops and campus visits. You’ll also gain insight into how schools can develop their own locally tailored initiatives to support boys more effectively.