New agreement guarantees Barnet students interviews at MDX

The package will include a series of workshops for students in Barnet focused on higher education and career pathways 

Middlesex University and Barnet Education and Learning Service (BELS) are launching a new Lifelong Learning Agreement for all students studying at Barnet schools and colleges.

This commitment guarantees an interview or offer for every prospective student at a Barnet school or college who meets the course criteria at Middlesex University, following the student’s completion of support activities. 

Alongside the commitment, there will be a fully funded package of support for Barnet students which will include:

• ·       Key Stage 3 workshops that enable students to discover more about university 
• ·       Key Stage 4 workshops will explore post 16 pathways 
• ·       Key Stage 5 workshops will help students learn about their future careers, consider different subject areas and include visits on campus 

“Middlesex University aims to serve, support and sustain our local community and this agreement articulates how we will continue to do this. We are delighted to begin this new partnership and create greater opportunities for Barnet students. We want to ensure students are prepared for lifelong learning and leadership and that their talents help employers across Barnet and North London thrive.”

Professor Shân Wareing, Vice-Chancellor of Middlesex University

Neil Marlow, Chief Executive and Director of Education and Learning at Barnet Education and Learning Service, said: “We are grateful for the support the University is offering and look forward to seeing the positive impact of the workshops on Barnet’s young people and hope many of our schools and colleges will take advantage of the offer.”

This initiative aims to ensure Barnet students are more aware of opportunities within the borough at all stages and that they continue to develop skills and knowledge for employment.

It supports the vision of Middlesex University and Barnet’s Post-16 Education and Skills strategy to extend the opportunities for young people in Barnet.

The institutions signed up for the Lifelong Agreement so far are: Copthall School, Hendon School, St James’ Catholic High School, Saracens High School, St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School, Barnet and Southgate College, Friern Barnet School, Whitefield School, Bishop Douglass Catholic School, St Mary’s and St John’s Church of England school.

Tracy Parrott, Senior Curriculum Adviser at Barnet Education and Learning Service, said: 

“I am delighted that Middlesex University embraced our vision to create a Barnet agreement for our schools and colleges. The agreement will mean the students are supported in developing an understanding of the post 16 and post 18 pathways. 

“We therefore hope students are helped to make informed decisions at every stage of their educational journey and support their transition into further and higher education. A further benefit of the programme is that the students will have an opportunity to engage in activities and workshops which serve to develop both their employability skills and resilience.

“I look forward to seeing the Barnet Lifelong Learning Agreement in place in our schools and colleges and thank Middlesex University working in partnership with BELS to support Barnet’s young people.”

Georgie Hodgson, from the Extended Leadership Team at Whitefield School, said: “Whitfield School seeks to maximise the life chances of all of our young people and so it is crucial to prepare young people for life beyond school. We are excited to be part of the Barnet Lifelong Learning agreement.”

Visit this page to find out more about the Barnet Lifelong Learning Agreement.