Social barriers into higher/education
The School of Social Sciences (UWE Bristol) welcomes you to join us for a panel discussion
Key Information:
- Date and time
- Fri 24 March 2023
17:00 - 19:00 - Location
- Create Centre, Smeaton Road, Further info
- Contact
- Craig Johnston c.johnston@uwe.ac.uk
- Cost
- Free
- Attendance
- Booking required

Description
The discussion panel brings together academics, practitioners, advocates and researchers from across a range of educational, community based and public sector settings.
It is open to everyone, including those who are interested in social differences and social themes relating to race, poverty, health inequalities, pathways of the working-class people to and through higher education, leaving a legacy in local neighbourhoods, and envisioning a positive future for widening participation.
We welcome anyone with lived experience of the themes and want to get more informed on issues related to the social barriers to higher education.
Programme
17:00 – Welcome
- Professor Peter Clegg – Head of the School of Social Sciences, UWE Bristol
Introduction and Scene Setting
- Dr Craig Johnston – Senior Lecturer at UWE Bristol, Co-Founder/Deputy Chair Alliance of Working-Class Academics
- Dr Alex Blower – Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) and the Students' Union at UWE.
17:20 - Panel discussion
- Professor Arathi Sriprakash – Professor of Education, University of Bristol
- Dr Lawrence Hoo – Poet, Educator and founder of CARGO Classroom (Charting African Resilience Generating Opportunities)
- Aisha Thomas – Educational activist and Director at Representation Matters
- Professor Richard Waller – Professor of Education and Social Justice, UWE Bristol
- Sangeetha Wynter – Training and Inclusion Manager, Babbasa.com
- Malcolm Richards – Senior Lecturer in Education, UWE Bristol.
This panel discussion will contribute to understandings of the barriers to higher/education in and across professional fields by bringing together a diverse delegation of academics, and sector representatives. Together, we will seek to better understand the underlying issues affecting professionals and to address any concerns regarding social mobility, race, disability and poverty from a cross-sector, interdisciplinary perspective.
18:20 – Open to the public Q&A session
18:35 – Drinks and social networking session for all
19:00 – Finish
Related events

Thu 04 September 2025, 17:00
Showcase MA Degree Show 2025
Spike Island, City Campus
A celebration of advanced creative practice from MA Fine Art, MA Graphic Arts and MA Multi-Disciplinary Printmaking.

Wed 10 September 2025, 10:00
Sustainability Hub extended opening hours
1D015, Frenchay Campus
The Sustainability Hub on Frenchay Campus is open extended hours between 10 and 14 September. Browse affordable pre-loved items like clothes, kitchenware, and books.

Wed 10 September 2025, 13:00
Walk around Eastville Park
The Lower Engagement Space, Union 1, Frenchay Campus
Join the Green Team for a relaxed walk through Eastville Park – a hidden gem just a short trip from both Frenchay and Glenside campuses.

Thu 11 September 2025, 10:00
Sustainability Hub extended opening hours
1D015, Frenchay Campus
The Sustainability Hub on Frenchay Campus is open extended hours between 10 and 14 September. Browse affordable pre-loved items like clothes, kitchenware, and books.

Thu 11 September 2025, 11:00
Circular Economy Fair
Tent outside Z Block (School of Engineering), Frenchay Campus
Save money, reduce waste, and live more sustainably at UWE Bristol. Discover ways to get involved, volunteer, and build your sustainability experience.

Thu 11 September 2025, 11:00
Library of Things extended opening hours
Share Bristol, Frenchay Campus
The Share Bristol Library of Things on Frenchay Campus will be open for extended hours between 11–14 September 2025, 11:00-16:00. Explore, borrow, and join the Library of Things for sustainable and affordable living.

Fri 12 September 2025, 10:00
Café conversations at Glenside
Glenside Hub, Glenside Campus
Start your day with Student Life - enjoy coffee, pastries and the chance to meet new people and make connections over great conversation.

Fri 12 September 2025, 10:00
Sustainability Hub extended opening hours
1D015, Frenchay Campus
The Sustainability Hub on Frenchay Campus is open extended hours between 10 and 14 September. Browse affordable pre-loved items like clothes, kitchenware, and books.

Fri 12 September 2025, 11:00
Blackboard Ultra for module support staff
Online
This training session is for staff who are involved in supporting existing modules.

Fri 12 September 2025, 11:00
Campus highlights: Explore Frenchay with Global Buddies
Outside P Block, Frenchay Campus
Join our friendly Global Buddies - current international students just like you - for a fun and informal tour of UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus!

Fri 12 September 2025, 11:00
Circular Economy Fair
Tent outside Z Block (School of Engineering), Frenchay Campus
Save money, reduce waste, and live more sustainably at UWE Bristol. Discover ways to get involved, volunteer, and build your sustainability experience.

Fri 12 September 2025, 11:00
Library of Things extended opening hours
Share Bristol, Frenchay Campus
The Share Bristol Library of Things on Frenchay Campus will be open for extended hours between 11–14 September 2025, 11:00-16:00. Explore, borrow, and join the Library of Things for sustainable and affordable living.