Sat Sep 28 07:05:56 UTC 2024: ## Buckinghamshire New University Tackles Attainment Gaps with Inclusive Leadership Conference

**High Wycombe, UK – September 2024** – Buckinghamshire New University (BNU) is taking a proactive approach to addressing the persistent attainment gaps in higher education by focusing on collaboration with mainstream education.

Zahara Chowdhury, EDI Business Partner at BNU, highlights the significant disparities in degree outcomes between students from disadvantaged backgrounds and their more privileged peers. She emphasizes that while the number of disadvantaged students entering higher education has risen, the achievement gap remains a concern.

Chowdhury, who has a background in secondary education, believes that building stronger working relationships between universities and schools is crucial to closing this gap. She argues that adopting proven teaching and learning methods used in mainstream education could significantly benefit students’ progress and attainment at university.

To facilitate this dialogue, BNU is hosting “The Inclusive Leadership Conference” on 9 October 2024 in collaboration with Sir Henry Floyd Grammar School. The event aims to bring together educators from across the sector, including teachers, practitioners, and academics, to discuss key factors impacting attainment and progression.

The conference will delve into topics such as:

* **Anti-racism and social justice in the curriculum and classroom:** How can education foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment?
* **Representation and inclusive recruitment in education:** How can we ensure diverse representation within education institutions at all levels?
* **Authentic student experiences:** How can universities ensure student experiences are inclusive and support all learners?
* **Reverse mentoring:** How can mentorship programs be structured to bridge the gap between mainstream and higher education?

By fostering open discussions and collaborative solutions, BNU hopes to inspire tangible changes that benefit students from all backgrounds and help create a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.

**To register for the Inclusive Leadership Conference, please visit [link to registration page].**

Read More