Developing a Strategy for Student Retention

Attracting and retaining high-calibre students in science and engineering is becoming more difficult. At the same time, we are urged by the UK Government to recruit from a wider pool. This has necessitated a review of how we go about recruiting and retaining our students. This paper sets out some of our underpinning ideas. Student retention needs can be focussed on a number of stages. First, school-level motivation, starting at secondary, and probably even primary school level. Second, recruitment of students of the appropriate calibre, motivation and experience. Third, student induction, including an overview of subject and programme. Fourth, ongoing student support.