University of the First Age

About

The UFA is a national education charity. Founded in Birmingham in 1996 by Professor Tim Brighouse, we work with Local Authorities and other partners across the UK. The UFA is committed to working in innovative and creative ways with Local Authorities, schools, organisations, communities and individuals to enrich and extend learning for young people aged 5 to 25.

Our aim is to create an 'open' university for young people, so that they can access a range of challenging learning opportunities in and beyond their school. Being part of a 'university' in early life helps to raise aspirations, increases the likelihood of young people going on to Further and Higher Education and develops skills that will help them succeed in their future lives and employment.

Raising young people's aspirations and achievements by improving confidence and self-belief through exciting and memorable educational experiences is at the heart of what we do. Young people are supported through the UFA to become role models and leaders who develop and lead learning opportunities for others in their communities.

The UFA explores imaginative approaches to training in order to engage teachers and other professionals, parents, carers, community organisations and businesses in transforming their own learning practice. From this training we create learning teams of the adults and young people with whom we work.