DMU Widening access and participation
We know education has the power to transform lives and that’s why DMU’s Widening Participation and Access Team are committed to helping develop and support raising aspirations and attainment – to ensure all learners have the opportunity to go on to higher education, whatever their background.
The team offer stand-alone activities or longer-term projects, to support learners up to the age of 16 years. These are delivered either in the school setting, or at DMU’s award winning campus.
All activities are designed to enhance learning and to be able to offer new opportunities that schools may not be able to provide. This is particularly useful for learners from a widening participation background, who may need encouragement to realise their potential or discover their goals and aspirations.
With more than 60 primary and secondary schools working with DMU in and around Leicester, and the number steadily increasing, the team are keen to continue to offer more opportunities and to support you in meeting all of your widening and participation needs.
I have felt this year we have gained so much from the partnership between our school and the university. Thank you again for organising all the different opportunities and offering all the volunteers: it has made a profound impact on the quality of education our pupils have received. Looking forward to building on this year’s success in the new term.
University is a new beginning – it's where you can find your people, your purpose, your place in the world. At DMU, it's our goal to help every student reach their goal, whatever that might be.
Please contact schoolsoutreach@dmu.ac.uk for more information or to book an activity.

We offer both on campus and in school activity to prepare pupils for life beyond school. All sessions can be adapted to suit the needs of your students and visit.
Please find out more about our offer using the dropdown menu below:
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Primary schools
- Inspire Day: An interactive session that will introduce university to year 6 pupils in a fun and exciting way.
- Character Education: Interactive session covering Character Education themes, positive attributes and higher education.
- Mathletics: Aimed at year 6 pupils, these monthly sessions are led by DMU Academics who have offered up their time to teach the next generation of Math whizzes!
- Excel Yourself: Aimed at year 5 pupils, Excel yourself is designed to offer additional Microsoft Excel skills, lead by one of our very own academics.
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Secondary school
- Problem Solving: Aimed at year 7, a hands-on session developing skills in problem solving, team work and communication.
- Life Skills: Aimed at year 8, practical, interactive activities designed to give students a hands-on experience of the essential life skills that university students need during their time at university.
- Visual CV: Aimed at year 9, a series of interactive activities based on values and beliefs, teamworking skills and goal setting. Pupils will be encouraged to examine their personal skills and natural abilities and consider future ambitions.
- Campus Life: Aimed at year 10, students are introduced to the different teaching and learning styles at undergraduate level. Then, the focus switches to the extra-curricular side of university life, with an introduction to the concept of university clubs and societies.
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School holiday and weekend activities
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All ages
- Bespoke projects/activities– we can run workshops, assemblies and talks on any themes requested by your school. If you have an idea, get in touch and we can talk through the options together.
- We also offer subject specific and key skills events for Year 12 and 13 students.
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In-school or after school skills sessions
DMU’s Den – Aimed at year 9 and year 10 learners. An innovative in-school after-schools skills session for learners to explore the subjects related to Business. This activity will help learners to use communication skills, team work skills, creativity and many more. Not only is this going to be a fun activity but will also help them to choose their subjects for GCSE (for Year 9s) and enhance transferable skills.
DMU Detectives - Aimed at year 8 to year 10 learners. A practical session that encourages learners to solve mysteries. This activity will challenge learners to do their best improving skills such as decoding, memory, use of resources, team work, determination, organization, recognising problems and asking for help, time management, and communication.
I disagree! – Aimed at year 6 to year 10 learners. This challenging classroom debate activity will enhance students’ communication skills, critical thinking, reflection, engagement, leadership skills. It will also help them to focus on a topic (the topic of debate will vary depending on the year group).

If you are interested in booking an activity, would like to know more or would like something you don’t see listed here, please email schoolsoutreach@dmu.ac.uk
Please note: all activities are subject to availability.
Pathways
Pathways is the collaborative partnership of higher education providers in Leicester City, Leicestershire and Rutland as part of the Office for Students Uni Connect programme.
Pathways work with schools and colleges to offer a number of activities and interventions in their local areas. Pupils who take part in Pathways events can experience life at university, develop new skills, explore future careers and more. Pathways website also hosts a range of resources from virtual tours to student blogs.
Covid-19
For all of our activities, we are having to take Covid-19 restrictions into account. We are able to deliver face to face activities, and ask that school adhere to any guidance as outlined by the government and the university.