New community initiative launches to support parents in their child’s education pathway

A new community initiative supporting parents and carers to become champions for their children’s futures launched this month in Bristol.

Parent Power Bristol, delivered in partnership with UWE Bristol, the University of Bristol and the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), aims to create a supportive network that helps parents access information and opportunities to support their children’s ambitions and educational journeys.

The first meeting of Bristol Parent Power took place in early November in Barton Hill.

Parent Power is a national programme run by The Brilliant Club that works with parents and carers to build confidence, increase knowledge about higher education, and strengthen connections between families, schools, and universities. The programme places families at the heart of conversations about education and opportunity.

Stacey Giles, Head of Widening Access and Collaborative Outreach Projects from UWE Bristol, said: “Parents and carers play a crucial role as the primary influencers in a young person’s educational journey. By supporting families to access clear information and feel confident engaging with education pathways, we can help ensure that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to realise their potential and succeed.”

The new Parent Power Bristol chapter will join 15 existing chapters in England, Scotland and Wales.

Abir Ahmed, Community Organiser for Bristol Parent Power at The Brilliant Club said: “Being the first Community Organiser for Bristol Parent Power is an incredible opportunity to help families see that higher education is within reach for their children. When parents are informed and confident, they become the strongest advocates for their children’s futures.”

The new partnership in Bristol will work to strengthen local and national efforts to widen access to higher education by developing a scalable model that works directly with families to address the social and cultural barriers that prevent underrepresented students from entering and thriving in higher education.

Parent Power builds parent and carer communities across the UK, gathering interest from parents with follow-up one-to-one meetings and six group meetings led by a local Community Organiser. In meetings, parents decide which activities will benefit their communities – from tailored visits to universities for young people to training on student finance and university access.

UWE Bristol also has a dedicated digital guide for parents and supporters of current and prospective students.

“Parent Power is all about building strong partnerships between universities, schools, and families. We are delighted to see the launch of a new project here in Bristol,” said Sara Baldwin, Assistant Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion from the University of Bristol.

"We're really excited to be part of such an important project for families in the communities we serve in Bristol. Raising ambition and aspiration is a key focus at the CLF, the launch of a Parent Power chapter in the area is a vital step to ensure parents and carers feel confident supporting their children to achieve their potential,” said Andrew Bell, Partnerships Manager at the Cabot Learning Federation.