Parent Power initiative introduced in Barrow to break down barriers to higher education

The drop-in session created a space for families to learn more about Parent Power, share their experiences, and speak openly about the challenges their children face when considering further and higher education. The event focused on listening to give local parents and carers the opportunity to shape a programme that reflects the realities of their community while beginning to build a supportive network that will grow over time.

Barrow-in-Furness has lower than average participation in higher education compared to most areas within the UK, with Public First reporting an uptake of only 11.1%. Young people in the area often face additional barriers when navigating information, opportunities and pathways beyond school, with factors such as travel historically being a hurdle. University of Cumbria and Parent Power are partnering to address these challenges to help make education more accessible, help families better understand their options, and support a culture of aspiration across the town.

Pictured above: Daniel Dutton and Jimmy Pickering talking with a parent and student.

Claire Aindow, Pro Vice Chancellor in Growth & Development, University of Cumbria said: “The Parent Power session at our Barrow campus was incredibly positive, with parents and carers leaving feeling informed and confident. It provided a valuable space to ask questions and gain practical insight into higher education pathways. Supporting parents in this way is key to ensuring young people from all backgrounds have a fair chance to succeed and to access the opportunities higher education can offer.”

Parent Power is a nationally recognised programme delivered by The Brilliant Club. It works to tackle inequalities that mean young people from less advantaged backgrounds are significantly less likely to access competitive universities and professional careers. Across the country, the programme brings parents and carers together into local communities, equipping them with leadership and community organising skills, practical guidance on education pathways, and the tools to create meaningful local change.

Research consistently shows that parents and carers play a vital role in shaping young people’s educational outcomes. Parent Power seeks to strengthen this influence by building confidence, knowledge and networks, enabling families to better support their children to achieve their potential.

Jimmy Pickering, Director of Communities at The Brilliant Club said: “The Brilliant Club are proud to be working with the University of Cumbria to establish Barrow Parent Power. The Parent Power model develops parents’ knowledge of higher education and supports them to shape positive educational change locally. It has been great to speak to local parents about the barriers their children are experiencing and what action they want to take to address them. We have now worked with over 1000 parents across the UK as part of Parent Power, and we hope to continue this work in Barrow in partnership with the university, local schools and community organisations.”

Following this initial event, the Parent Power project in Barrow will continue to develop through ongoing conversations with parents and carers. The launch of this initiative in Barrow reflects University of Cumbria and Parent Power’s long-term commitment to working alongside families as partners in change, ensuring that education feels achievable, accessible and relevant for every young person in the community.

Daniel Dutton, Head of Student Recruitment and Outreach at University of Cumbria said: “This work is rooted in the strength of partnership. Through our collaboration with The Brilliant Club and the Parent Power model, we are creating space for parents and carers in Barrow to shape what progression looks like for their children.

"From my own research into multigenerational mobility, we know that aspiration is not the issue in communities like this; it is about access, understanding, and confidence within a very localised context. Events like this are an important first step in building trust, strengthening networks, and ensuring that higher education feels both relevant and achievable for families here.”

Opened in September 2025 with support from the Barrow Town Deal, the University of Cumbria’s Barrow campus is helping to raise aspirations and expand access to higher education across the region.

To read more about the Parent Power initiative, head to: Parent Power - The Brilliant Club