Transforming Access & Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO). We identify and disseminate effective practice in widening access and participation.
Our new guidance page explains comparative case studies ā a theory-based evaluation approach for comparing cases to identify patterns, similarities and differences. It covers causal inference, case selection, and how to collect, analyse and synthesise evidence.
Read the guidance: taso.org.uk/libraryitem/compā¦
ALT A blue-to-teal gradient graphic with a white TASO in the upper-left corner. The word āGUIDANCEā appears in turquoise uppercase text above the large white title āComparative case study.ā The background includes curved lines, dots, and translucent geometric shapes. In the lower-right corner, two turquoise folder icons face each other with a double-headed arrow between them.
Work with us: Weāre appointing up to six higher education providers to work with us to develop theories of change, & identify outcome measures & data needs for contextualised admissions policies.
Learn more & apply: taso.org.uk/news-blog/open-cā¦
Join us on Wednesday 24 June (11:00ā12:00) for a webinar providing key project details and information on eligibility and selection criteria: buytickets.at/taso/2257690
ALT A graphic with a blue-to-teal gradient background. The TASO logo appears in the top left in white. Across the upper centre, turquoise text reads, āOPEN CALL FOR HIGHER EDUCATION PROVIDERS.ā Large white serif text in the middle reads, āContextualised admissions: Developing theories of change and evaluation approaches.ā In the bottom right, there is a turquoise icon of balancing scales.
How can we better understand complex social systems?
Our guidance page examines agent-based modelling (ABM) ā a method for exploring how individual actions and interactions can lead to wider system-level outcomes. It explains how ABM can support the evaluation of complex programmes and policies, as well as some of the practical challenges involved.
Read the guidance and access further resources here: taso.org.uk/libraryitem/agenā¦
ALT Graphic with a blue-to-teal gradient background and faint abstract network lines. The TASO logo appears in the top-left corner. Large text in the centre-left reads āGUIDANCEā and āAgent-based modellingā. In the top-right corner, a teal icon shows several people connected by lines, representing networks, interaction, and agent-based modelling.
What does the evidence say about pre-entry aspiration-raising?
Activities like campus visits, summer schools and mentoring may improve aspirations and attitudes, but evidence on student outcomes is limited.
Find out more: taso.org.uk/intervention/aspā¦
Want to help evaluate contextualised admissions policies?
Applications to collaborate on our new project with UKRI Policy Fellow Professor Anna Mountford-Zimbars open on Monday 15 June.
Join our webinar on 24 June (11:00ā12:00) to hear more and ask questions: tickettailor.com/events/tasoā¦
Find out more about the project: taso.org.uk/news-blog/comingā¦
ALT Blue and teal promotional graphic with the TASO logo in the top left and āOnline eventā underneath. The background shows a semi-transparent image of a person working at a laptop, overlaid with a gradient from dark blue on the left to bright teal on the right. Large white text in the centre reads āContextualised admissions: information sessionā. In the top right, a rounded outlined box highlights the date and time, and a matching rounded āSign upā button with an arrow appears in the lower right.
On 26 May, our Evaluation Advisory Group (EAG) met and welcomed some new faces!
The group discussed its Terms of Reference, our strategic direction, how evidence can better support providers across the sector, and priorities for future evidence synthesis and research.
Find out more about the EAG: taso.org.uk/about/governanceā¦
ALT Screenshot of online meeting with the EAG group members.
Photos, slides, and other materials from 'Collaborate to evaluate', TASOās 2026 annual conference, are now available on our website.
View the conference content here: taso.org.uk/news-blog/taso-aā¦
Last chance to grab your tickets via invoice for #TASOCon26
Highlights include:
ā keynote panels on collaboration and regional inequality
ā collaboration in practice session
ā short talks on pre- and post-entry interventions
ā peer-led poster session
ā networking throughout
- drinks reception to close the day.
Tickets via invoice close tomorrow ā secure your place: tickettailor.com/events/tasoā¦
ALT Promotional graphic for the TASO Annual Conference titled āCollaborate to evaluate.ā The design features a dark blue background with a blurred audience scene. The TASO logo appears at the top left, with large white and pink text reading āAnnual Conferenceā and āCollaborate to evaluate.ā The date ā12 May 2026ā is displayed in the top right. A highlighted box on the right states āLast chance: pay via invoice.
Explore our āFramework for economic evaluationā for practical guidance on assessing the costs, outcomes and value of higher education interventions.
Access: taso.org.uk/libraryitem/econā¦
In our new blog post, @omaromalleykhan reflects on our sixth annual conference and explores how collaboration can strengthen evaluation, evidence-sharing and collective action to tackle equality gaps in higher education: taso.org.uk/news-blog/collabā¦
In our latest blog post, Tatjana Damjanovic reflects on how we talk about impact evaluation for small cohorts and why we are changing its language from āsmall nā to ātheory-based evaluationā: taso.org.uk/news-blog/from-sā¦
Check out our technical guides to elevate your evaluation, data visualisation and coding practices!
What's inside?
- The data visualisation style guide: Gain clear, actionable guidelines for crafting impactful charts using your preferred tools like Excel, R, or Tableau.
- Coding best practices guide: Explore tips, guidelines, and resources to make your code more accessible, shareable, and reliable.
- Data insights guide:Ā A guide to using and developing a data infrastructure to enable effective use of institutional data to evaluate student success activities.
Enhance your data storytelling and coding skills: taso-he.github.io/technicalgā¦
Our student access, success, progression evidence toolkit summarises the existing evidence on approaches to widening participation and student success for disadvantaged and underrepresented groups in #HigherEducation.
Access the toolkit here: taso.org.uk/evidence-toolkitā¦
Looking to strengthen your university's data practices?
Access TASO's data infrastructure guide on GitHub and take a step toward evidence-based decision-making: taso-he.github.io/technicalgā¦
Discover TASO's implementation and process evaluation resources!
Learn to assess the execution and delivery of programmes in higher education, ensuring effectiveness and quality improvement: taso.org.uk/libraryitem/implā¦
Explore our Student Mental Health Evidence Toolkit for a detailed overview of research on the effectiveness of mental health interventions for students: taso.org.uk/evidence-toolkitā¦
Our Sector Network brings together researchers, practitioners and evaluators with an interest in widening participation and student success in higher education. As a member of the network, you can write a post for our blog, co-create an event with us, provide feedback on our work and get a first look at our reports ā and more!
We're always welcoming new members so if you're interested in joining please take a look at our sign-up page: taso.org.uk/about/sector-netā¦
That's a wrap for #TASOCon26! A huge thank you to everyone for making it such a great day, full of provocation, conversation, shared learning and practical tips. Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with our latest news and events.
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ALT TASO annual conference, 12 May 2026: Collaborate to evaluate