Resources Guide

Enabling an informed choice about Higher Education!

The Network for East Anglian Collaborative Outreach (neaco), part of the national Uni-Connect network, is all about making sure that learners in our region have the information they need to make an informed decision about their Higher Education options. In order to do this, learners need access to certain types of guidance and information. As they learn more about themselves and their options, they will be better placed to make decisions about their future.

Below you will find some headings that cover key topics that might inform learners. These topics are based on our progressive framework for schools and colleges – a detailed plan (including exploratory questions) for how students can be guided towards informed decisions. For more information about these please visit:

Progressive Framework

Under each topic heading, you will find some links to resources on this site and some suggestions of other national sources of information and guidance including some other Uni-connect websites from across England, providing nationally relevant resources about higher education.

1. Student Options after school/college

To make an informed decision, students need to know their options. These resources provide information about options and possible pathways that students can take after their GCSEs.

neaco resources:

Other national resources:

2. Personal preferences and qualities

Knowing about yourself is key to making the right option choice. These resources help students to reflect on their own skills and preferences to plan for their future.

neaco resources:

Knowing your skills presentation
Day one video – Explore your future resource

National resources:

3. Study skills

Knowing how to learn is key to opening up opportunities for further education and training. These resources focus on study skills such as exam preparation and revision.

neaco resources:

How to revise

National resources:

4. Extra-curricular & Super-curricular activity

Activities that are done outside of usual school work like hobbies, sports and personal development (extra-curricular); and additional subject learning that goes beyond what was covered in class (super-curricular) can help get students to where they want to be. Find out how students can boost their opportunities through extra activities.

neaco resources:

National resources:

5. Student Finance

Many prospective students worry about how to cover student fees and how they will afford the general costs of life as a student. These resources cover what sources of funding are available and how to apply for them.

neaco resources:

Student Finance

National resources:

6. Exploring different subjects

Many subjects available to study at University are not common in schools and the content of more familiar subjects can vary between different Universities. Finding out about courses before application is the key to making the right choice. These resources provide information about different Higher Education subjects.

neaco resources:

National resources:

7. Work experience and Careers Guidance

It is never to early to be thinking about getting some work experience and possible career options. These resources take an employability focus and aim to provide guidance on possible career pathways.

neaco resources:

Explore your future event resource page
Local Jobs information for Peterborough

National resources:

8. CVs and apprenticeship applications

A Curriculum Vitae (CV) is often an essential part of job/apprenticeship applications. Knowing how to write an effective CV and make a great application will boost the chances of securing a fantastic opportunity!

neaco resources:

National resources:

9. Higher Education/University applications

The Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) handles most applications to Undergraduate courses for Universities in the UK. Knowing the process and the key components of the application will give applicants the best chance of getting onto their first choice of course. These resources are all about making a great application to secure a place in Higher Education.

neaco resources:

National resources:

10. Getting ready for Higher Education/alternative paths

Getting ready for University study or planning alternative next steps will help pupils make a smooth transition from school/college to whatever comes next, even if not everything goes to plan. These resources are all about the transition into Higher Education and what University life might be like.

neaco resources:

National resources:

11. Guidance for Parents and Carers

Parents and Carers can be very influential in supporting young people with their education options. These resources are designed with Parents and Carers in mind.

neaco resources:

national resources:

12. Resources for educators

These resources provide videos/reflections and downloadable presentations/activities designed to support educators seeking to devise sessions that inform and facilitate learner exploration of their HE options.

neaco resources:

national resources:

Outreach NorthEast Teacher CPD Page (Uni Connect)
Southern Universities Network Teacher Resources (Uni Connect)
UCAS Guidance for Teachers and Advisers

We hope you find these resources useful but don’t hesitate to get in touch if you need further support!