University of Surrey Celebrates 'A World Of Collaboration'

The Annual Review last night provided the ideal opportunity for Vice-Chancellor Max Lu to explain how UoS ‘Measures Up’ in terms of impact and contribution, regionally, nationally and globally. The figures speak for themselves: – over £1.75bn contribution to the UK economy; 19,000 school & college students reached by the widening participation team; 2,470 active student volunteers, 4,500 employees on the Reseach Park etc. The area of critical importance to the High Sheriff’s theme around the issue of permanent exclusions of pupils from school, is the remarkable success of the university in collaborating with King’s College, Guildford, situated in a ward where an average of only 17% of young people choose to access higher education. In 2017-18, 91% of students at King’s College took part in at least one widening participation & outreach activity and 52% of parents had enjoyed personal discussions with the Widening Participation Coordinator, Hannah Trott (second left), placed in the school on a full-time basis by the UoS. Latest Ofsted is ‘Good’ – a quite remarkable turn around and a great example of ‘Collaboration’!

SCC Cabinet Member for All-Age Learning, Julie Isles (left), joined me in listening to the ‘rave reviews’ from the three students about changes over the last two years. Significantly, all were convinced that there was no better school anywhere!