Jesus College has teamed up with Kings College London, and the University of South Wales, to launch a new access scheme for Newport (Casnewydd) parents.

Parent Power is run by The Brilliant Club, and aims to empower parents to ensure their children have a fair chance at education, and the best opportunities to pursue successful careers. The Newport (Casnewydd) chapter is the latest to join the UK-wide Parent Power initiative, and generously supported by Admiral Insurance. The College also provided seed-funding to set up the chapter.

Research consistently shows that whilst young people may have academic ambitions, what they choose to do after school is strongly influenced by the adults around them. In the UK today, graduates from the most competitive universities are more likely to access professional careers, and have higher rates of life satisfaction. On average, they will also earn £10,000 more annually than their peers. But access to these life-changing opportunities is not equal. Parent Power, originally created by King’s College London and Citizens UK in 2017, exists to empower communities to tackle this inequality, by providing accurate information, advice and guidance on accessing higher education.

Under the leadership of organiser Becky Burn, the new Newport Parent Power chapter is a community of 117 families from the most disadvantaged areas of Newport. In June, they visited Jesus College for a one-day event to learn more about accessing higher education, the support available to them and their children, and to take part in one-to-one mentoring.

Experts from Careers Wales, Mind, and the University of South Wales covered a range of topics, from navigating school to understanding university finances and apprenticeships. Dr Matt Williams, the College’s Access Fellow, delivered a session on metacognition and self-efficacy, attended by over 90 people.

Feedback from the event demonstrated just how much value the members of the Newport chapter found in their day at Jesus. As dad of two boys, Lee said: “Oxford and Cambridge was something I never thought would be possible for children like mine. Parent Power has shown that isn’t the case, and has helped me encourage my boys. Also, hearing from Matt Williams was fantastic, and I took in a lot he had to say and it gave me more confidence that my son or any other low- income family can do this.”

Mum Florina added: “Newport Parent Power is a great group, really informative for all parents out there, regardless of their aspirations in terms of their children’s educations. I think it is particularly useful for those parents who are not 100% familiar with the education system in the UK. Looking forward to many more meetings! Thank you!”

Matt says, “The chapter’s rapid expansion in just this first year shows that there was extraordinary untapped demand for this sort of work in South Wales. We are proud of the College’s historic connection to the country and people of Wales, and we remain committed to raising aspirations, and engaging with young people, their families and carers about pursuing higher education. We are delighted to be able to contribute to the work of Newport Parent Power, and will continue to do so.”