Engaging boys in higher education outreach: learning from practice

Differences in higher education (HE) participation by gender are a significant topic of discussion worldwide. Addressing these disparities requires targeted initiatives to promote equality in HE. This paper draws on case study research involving ten projects designed to engage boys in outreach in England, where HE participation of boys continues to lag behind other groups. This article illustrates different approaches to delivering outreach with boys and highlights common themes and the most promising approaches to working with boys, including activities for working-class boys who are the most underrepresented group. This paper proposes some reflective questions for practitioners when developing outreach activities with the target group of working-class boys and makes recommendations for practice. It will support outreach providers when thinking about the design, delivery and evaluation of new models of HE outreach which have the best potential to engage boys and support their onward progression in education.