What we do
We aim to ensure that young people are informed about their higher education (HE) options and see it as an exciting choice. Through collaboration with educators, we deliver engaging activities for learners of all ages, helping them make informed decisions about their future.
Who we support
While we support educators in inspiring all students to consider university, some of our outreach activities prioritise students from underrepresented groups in HE.
This includes young people living in low-participation neighbourhoods, students from low socio-economic backgrounds, young people in care, estranged students, and those with caring responsibilities. For these groups, we offer tailored programmes designed to meet their specific needs.
Find out more
Primary schools
We aim to inspire a love of learning in primary age children, encouraging them to see HE as a future possibility. We work with a small number of primary schools and focus our work on students from underrepresented or disadvantaged groups. This means we cannot always support requests from other schools.
In Summer 2026, we are offering a dedicated campus visit date for Year 6 pupils eligible for free school meals or pupil premium from non-target schools. Each school can bring up to 15 students for a scavenger hunt campus tour and our ‘Future Me’ workshop.
To book your place, please complete the booking form and a member of the team will be in touch. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further, please email the Student Recruitment & Outreach Team: [email protected].
Year 6 Teacher in 2025:
The children had a fabulous time and there was a real buzz about what subjects they could study in the future.
Secondary schools
We aim to showcase the opportunities and benefits of HE to your students, helping them to see how it can play a key role in achieving their future aspirations. We have developed a series of activities and events, including campus visits, workshops (both on and off-campus), and presentations, all tailored to meet the needs of your students.
Summer Discovery Days 2026
BU Summer Discovery Days replace our previous residential programme and offer young people in years 8 and 9 the opportunity to experience university life first-hand.
Over two days, participants engage in academic tasters, practical workshops, and collaborative group projects with guidance from our current students. There will be plenty of time to relax and socialise with fellow participants, including events in the Students’ Union and sports activities at Chapel Gate.
Group 1: Tuesday 28 to Wednesday 29 July 2026
Group 2: Thursday 30 to Friday 31 July 2026
Please note: social events and planned activities are subject to change
Applications for our 2026 Discovery Days are now closed. We expect to open for bookings for 2027 in September.
For further information about this opportunity, please email our Student Recruitment & Outreach Team: [email protected]
HE guidance – campus visits & presentations
We can visit your school to deliver presentations on topics such as student finance, student life, preparing for HE fairs, the benefits of higher education, revision and wellbeing, university applications and more.
We also welcome students of all ages to campus to experience life in HE, including meeting current students, exploring facilities, and learning about applications and finance. Visits accommodate up to 65 students, with priority for partner schools and underrepresented groups.
If your group is interested in a specific subject area, we may be able to arrange tailored activities, either on campus or at your school, subject to academic and facility availability.
Bookings for this academic year are now closed for Spring/Summer 2026. Bookings for the 26-27 academic year are now open and will close on Friday 18 December 2026.
Colleges and sixth forms
Our inspiring faculty staff are passionate about sharing their career journeys, showcasing expertise in their subject areas and introducing students to our incredible facilities.
Whether through campus visits or in-school sessions, we can connect your students with subject specialists and help them explore the career paths BU can support.
Get in touch to arrange subject-specific activities, tailored workshops, or opportunities to meet your teaching counterparts at BU. Our goal is to inspire young people to pursue careers they’re passionate about and consider university as an essential step in their journey.
We also offer a range of activities to support HE decision-making, including presentations on applications, student finance and life at university.
To discuss bespoke visits or events, whether at BU or your school, email our Student Recruitment & Outreach Team: [email protected].
Teachers and Career Leaders
To enable you to support your students, we think it’s important for you to have the opportunity to keep up to date with your professional development, specifically in relation to HE.
BU Teaching Network
We are excited to share a new initiative for 2026/2027, The BU Teaching Network. Open to all teaching and support staff from schools and colleges across the South West, each event will connect you with academics in your subject area of interest providing opportunities for networking and CPD.
Our first event is taking place on Monday 19 October 2026 4pm to 6pm on our Talbot Campus. Parking is free and refreshments will be provided. Please contact [email protected] to book.
EnablED: Dorset’s Path to Higher Education for Neurodivergent & Disabled Learners
Our Additional Learning Support team (ALS) aim to empower educators, SENCOs, sixth form leaders and careers teams to support smoother transitions from school or college into higher education for neurodivergent and disabled learners. Our ALS team can provide on demand workshops and presentations for school staff to feel more confident supporting learners progressing onto higher education.
To register your interest in these sessions, please email our Student Recruitment & Outreach Team: [email protected].
