Rise High project

Krisha Bainham, Head of Widening Participation, and Gill Hart, Head of Learning & Engagement at Chatsworth House Trust, have collaborated to deliver the 'Rise High' project; a collaborative careers and skills programme targeting young people in low progression areas in rural Derbyshire.  

Developed and delivered with the Chatsworth House Trust Learning and Engagement team, Rise High is designed as a multi-interaction, sustained initiative for Key Stage 3 learners from backgrounds which are currently under-represented at university and who reside in rural and semi-rural Derbyshire. These learners are often hidden within areas where there are high numbers of people progressing into higher learning. Rise High aims to empower them to realise their ambitions through engaging arts and careers activities, which aid in career planning, skill building, and boosting confidence. 

The Rise High programme spans 15 months, covering Years 7 and 8. It is structured to provide sustained and progressive activities with multiple touchpoints to ensure continuous engagement and development. The programme accommodates up to 30 learners per cohort, providing opportunities to interact with and benefit from components designed to enhance their educational and career expectations. 

The programme kicks off with a launch event held at the learners’ school. This event sets the stage for the programme, introducing learners to the objectives and activities they will engage in over the next 15 months. A series of in-school workshops are conducted, including Progression Pathways, Why Go to University, and Skills workshops. These sessions focus on helping learners understand the value of higher learning, explore different career paths, and develop essential skills for their future. Learners visit Chatsworth for a day dedicated to exploring career possibilities, providing real-world insights and inspiration, broadening their understanding of potential future careers. To gain a better understanding of higher education, learners participate in a University Experience Day. This event allows them to experience university life firsthand, making higher education a more tangible goal. The programme concludes with a celebration event at Chatsworth, where learners reflect on their journey, celebrate their achievements, and solidify their future aspirations. 

Impact on learners

The programme has delivered impressive results, demonstrating its impact on participants. 

• 100% of  learners were able to accurately explain what a university is after participating in the pilot activities, indicating a significant increase in their understanding of higher education. 

• 78% of the learners recognised the importance of developing career skills, showcasing an enhanced awareness of career planning and preparation. 

• 100% of focus group participants understood the different elements of the programme, highlighting the clarity and effectiveness of the programme's structure. 

• Six months after the Chatsworth careers visit, 100% of learners could recall specific elements of the programme, demonstrating a lasting impact. 

• There was a 23% increase in learners stating they had a good understanding of future jobs, indicating the programme's success in broadening career awareness. 

• There was a 33% increase in learners who felt they would fit in at university, highlighting the programme's effectiveness in boosting their confidence regarding higher education. 

• The programme led to a 67% increase in learners agreeing that they had good team working skills, emphasising the development of essential soft skills. 

• Overall, 90% of the learners rated the programme as excellent or good, demonstrating high levels of satisfaction and positive reception.

Feedback from learners further illustrates the programme's positive impact: 

• One learner mentioned, “It helped me feel confident in lessons,” indicating increased self-assurance in their academic environment. 

• Another learner stated, “It has opened my view of life after school and what jobs I want,” reflecting the programme's role in expanding their career horizons. 

• “I learnt a lot and had a great time learning,” shared another learner, highlighting the engaging and educational nature of the programme. 

• A teacher observed, “I’ve seen a real spark, far more dedicated than peer groups of the same ability, more oomph and dedication and motivation,” indicating the programme's influence on learners' motivation and dedication. 

Future plans

The Rise High programme is set to continue its positive trajectory with exciting plans: 

• The team have recently launched the programme with cohort 3, aiming to replicate and build upon previous successes. 

• There is a strong commitment to embedding the programme for sustained engagement, ensuring that future young people can benefit from its impactful activities. 

• Ongoing research is providing valuable insights for the design of future activities. The team is considering incorporating more presentation opportunities and offering a wider range of career options to engage with. 

• Outcomes and findings from the programme will be shared through publications and conference papers, contributing to the broader dialogue on educational and career development for young people in rural areas.