To provide essential transition information and support to students investigating their post-16 options while at home during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Education Partnership North East’s recruitment officers and course lecturers streamed live videos to offer advice and support to those who are considering a progression to college or sixth form.

Teams from across Hartlepool Sixth Form, Northumberland College and Sunderland College delivered informative sessions focusing on topics such as GCSEs and exams, transitioning from school to college, careers advice, apprenticeships, virtual open events, the application process and life on campus

The Facebook Live events included a ten-minute presentation or talk and an opportunity for viewers to ask any questions that they have.

  • Support staff including marketing & engagement
  • Curriculum staff

Hartlepool Sixth Form

  • Over 1,200 viewers across three sessions (with more than 2,500 people reached).
  • Over 600 engagements including likes, questions and shares

Northumberland College

  • Over 5,700 viewers across 10 sessions (with more than 12,500 people reached).
  • Over 3,300 engagements including likes, questions and shares

Sunderland College

  • Over 5,000 viewers across eight sessions (with more than 12,000 people reached).
  • Over 3,300 engagements including likes, questions and shares
  • During lockdown, we are taking a digital approach to offering that guidance and support and Facebook Live offered a great platform to do this. The success has been fantastic, we got some great feedback, and we’re planning to do more events like this in the future.”
  • “I am so pleased that I can connect with prospective students to help them on their journey to college.”
  • Choose staff who are comfortable and confident to engage on a live platform.
  • Pre-promote your events to your target audience by email and social media.
  • Ensure full training is given to those delivering the sessions.
  • Have another member of staff on-hand to answer any questions asked in the comments.
  • Monitor your video engagement using Creator Studio
  • Follow up any enquiries received
  • Post the video on your Facebook timeline for those who couldn’t catch the live session

Why Education Partnership North East (EPNE)?

Highly commended - Employer of the Year, Sunderland Echo Portfolio Awards 2019

Engagement with Employers - Association of Colleges (AoC) Beacon Award 2017

(Sunderland College On-programme Survey 2017)

Selected by DfE for 2021 T Level pilot to deliver the new high-quality technical qualifications.

98% overall employer satisfaction - Employer Survey 2018/19