Teacher and Adviser Conference

Key note: UCAS – Updates, insights and trends

Dave Penney, Chief Communications and Marketing Officer, UCAS.

Join UCAS for sector updates, key insights and trends from the latest application cycle. The session will also look ahead to the personal statement changes for 2026 applications, as well as confirmation and clearing. A great opportunity to gain a clear understanding of the evolving landscape of university applications and how you can continue to support your students through this process.

Session one (choose one from the following):

1. Support and wellbeing: How we look after the physical, mental and emotional health of an RAU student. Join two of our experienced student services practitioners to explore the range of initiatives in place to ensure our students thrive.

2. A visit to Coates Manor Farm. Join agriculture professor Nicola Cannon and see how in an attempt to tackle the increasing adverse effects of climate change on UK farming, the RAU has joined forces with an award-winning local regenerative farming business to make the University’s teaching farm fully regenerative. See how the site is used for teaching and forms a vital part of our students’ learning. (This is a longer session and if selected will be choice one and two).

3. Science laboratories and experimental barn tour. Visit our brand new £5.8 million science laboratories and experimental barn to learn how our students will benefit from the state-of- the-art facilities. Our new science laboratories consist of a variety of teaching spaces, designed to ensure a first-rate learning environment, with cutting-edge equipment essential to our undergraduate and postgraduate teaching.

Session two (choose one from the following):

1. Enterprise, employability and careers at the RAU. We place a strong emphasis on entrepreneurialism, creating opportunities for our students to develop their own business ideas and receive tailored support. Hear about our new ‘Ignite’ enterprise programme as well as the RAU ‘Graduate Attributes’ which helps ensure our students are regularly recruited by some of the world’s leading organisations. It’s not hard to see why we have been shortlisted for “The Best University Employability Strategy” at the targetjob Awards!

2. Tour of Zerodig. Zerodig is a social enterprise established within a seven-acre site adjoined to the RAU campus. Come and see all of the produce that is being grown and the hands-on involvement in horticultural production our students benefit from. It’s very likely you’ll have some of these veggies in your lunch today!

3. Q&A with current students. Find out first hand what it’s like being a student at the RAU. This student led session will give an insight into why students chose to study with us, their academic and social pursuits and career aspirations. There may even be a former student from your institution!

Session three (choose one from the following):

1. Student Finance England updates. Get the latest updates from Student Finance England with a look ahead to AY 25/26. This session will ensure you're equipped with the most current information, including updated figures for AY 25/26, information on how household assessments work, repayments and some hints and tips to help you with supporting your students.

2. Farm491 and Growth Hub tour. Farm491 is the RAU’s technology and innovation space focused on the future of farming and food systems. Located next to the Growth Hub which focuses on launching, growing and scaling businesses in the Cotswolds. See how these key initiatives link in with our students.

3. Supporting students applying to a land-based university. Join recruitment and admissions staff as we discuss how you can best support your students with their applications to a small and specialist institution. We’ll also give you some top tips for personal statements!

Key note two: RAU Alumna - Bizza Walters

Join freelance presenter, farm safety campaign coordinator, farmer and alumna Bizza Walters as she talks life after the RAU.  Bizza is passionate about the British agricultural industry, countryside and connecting farmers and consumers. Bizza has worked as a contract shepherdess and travelled across England, Orkney and Iceland helping with lambing and shearing. Bizza has also built a substantial social media following, helping to showcase the farming industry and breakdown barriers for the younger generation.