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Case Study

Bridging the gap in social inequalities in Higher Education

Northumbria University Entry Scheme increased completion rates by 37.2%, boosted enrollment, reduced the administrative workload on their team, and set up real technological infrastructure to maximize student engagement with Gecko.

Bridging the gap in social inequalities in Higher Education
37.2%
point increase in completion rates
50%
More time spent with students
96%
attendance at the NU Entry conference
50%
Less time spent on admin

Project Objective

The aim of the program is to reduce the gaps of social inequalities in higher education, with the goal of supporting under-represented and under-supported prospective student groups to prevent them from dropping out of the education system.

By participating in the NU Entry Scheme students will be provided with the opportunity to develop skills necessary for successful undergraduate study and have the opportunity to earn 16 NU Entry points, which are equivalent to UCAS tariff points when applying to Northumbria University.

Challenge

Northumbria University needed a way to reduce the administrative workload that was taking up hours of their time in order to set up real technological infrastructure to maximize student engagement and efficiency of NU Entry. The scheme has been running for over 10 years and is in its 3rd year with Gecko.

Request more information about Northumbria's story:

Gecko
The introduction of automated, personalized SMS and email communications has allowed me to double my time in schools to broaden the outreach of the scheme to prospective students. At the same time, developing the application platform in Gecko, utilizing the workflow functionality, allows students to complete their application and receive communications without delay.
Gecko
Craig Davison
Wellbeing Practitioner (Inclusion)
Solution
Gecko’s technology allowed Northumbria University to move from manual spreadsheets and processes to a fully automated system. Allowing them to store student data in one place so they can track the status of the student every step of the way and can identify where a student may need support, or a reminder to complete the application. Gecko allows the team to keep students engaged by sending personalized SMS and email communications, reminding them to complete their application, and push them along to completion. Exported data allows Northumbria to liaise with school contacts to identify the number of applications, year-on-year comparisons, etc.
Gecko
Adding personal communications enormously contributes to creating a sense of belonging and solidarity at the university. Developing automated systems and processes has allowed us to prioritse our focus and support students who are most in need.
Gecko
Craig Davison
Wellbeing Practitioner (Inclusion)
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