Conclusion of A Sustainable Place for Inclusive Refugee Education (Aspire) project

ASPIRE is a research initiative between the University of Nottingham, led by Professor Joanna McIntyre, and Refugee Education UK (REUK). ASPIRE focused on refugee education, by utilising a participatory methodology led by learners with asylum-seeking and refugee backgrounds. It was a place-based research study that focused on existing education provisions in two English cities – Oxford and Nottingham. It explored young learners’ experiences of access to and quality of education and the perspective of young refugees and those who support their educational journeys in each city. Thus, despite its focus on Nottingham and Oxford as specific research locations, the study highlighted effective local formal and informal initiatives and emphasises on utilising their innovative practices in other localities.

 The study highlighted innovative practices ranging from short-term bridging programmes to longer-term support, within and outside mainstream educational spaces. Amongst the promising practices identified are provisions that ensure immediate access to education, provide holistic, tailored and flexible support, and work to foster an inclusive environment in which students feel valued, respected and able to be themselves. 

Project resources

• Final report for ASPIRE (PDF)
• Toolkit summarising lessons learned from participatory research (PDF)
• Booklets sharing information about educational activities available to young people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds in Oxford and Nottingham