December 2024
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This conference considered next steps for widening higher education access and participation in the UK, and strategies for improving outcomes for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Sessions in the agenda examined how best to address the perceived participation gap and improve access to university for those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with UUK proposing to set a new target of 70% participation in tertiary education for 25 year-olds by 2040, an increase from the current goal of 49%. The conference also came in light of the Government’s recent announcement of plans to raise maximum tuition fees to £9,535 whilst also implementing an inflation-linked rise in maintenance loans, which was met with overall mixed response from the education sector, with the ASCL warning that the rise may deter students from disadvantaged backgrounds from applying to university.
Stakeholders and policymakers assessed progress on implementing the updated access and participation plans (APPs) mandated by the Office for Students. Areas for discussion include the processes involved, along with challenges and best practice for HEIs meeting requirements, issues around reducing administrative burden, and defining and monitoring the success of strategies.
We expected discussion to bring out best practice and latest strategies for student recruitment, selection, admission and onboarding, looking at increasing diversity and attracting underrepresented groups to higher education, with recent statistics following A-level results day showing that regional disparities in England still exist despite a record-high number of students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds gaining places at university. Delegates also considered strategies for tackling financial barriers, the potential effects of the rise in tuition fees and maintenance loans, drop-out rates, and better supporting students to achieve their potential.
It was also an opportunity to discuss the implementation of requirements for sector-agreed quality practice outlined in QAA’s recently published Quality Code for Higher Education.
Priorities for HEI collaboration with FE and schools were discussed, alongside strategies for improving study and careers guidance and support for students. We expected discussion on the future of technical and vocational routes, including proposals from the Government for a Growth and Skills Levy.
The agenda also looked at the way forward for aligning participation strategies with skills needs. Sessions considered access to non-traditional options, including degree apprenticeships and upskilling. Delegates will also discuss opportunities for mature learners and the future of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, along with improved provision of part-time, distanced and flexible courses.
Discussion was also expected to draw on UUK’s recent Opportunity, growth and partnership: a blueprint for change report calling for a system-wide effort to increase access and improve student progression into the labour market. Delegates considered recommendations such as a tertiary education opportunity fund, action by universities and government to increase teacher supply, and reinstating maintenance grants for students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Ben Jordan, Director, Strategy, UCAS; Dr Rachel Carr, CEO, IntoUniversity; Dr Omar Khan, CEO, TASO; and Dr Andrew Ross, Head, Widening Access and Participation, University of Bath.
Sessions in the agenda included:
- access and participation in HE: assessing the current landscape and next steps
- APPs: examining the development process - optimising their utility
- addressing barriers: achieving positive outcomes for students - tackling drop-out rates - diversifying student intake - addressing student financial burdens - support into the job market
- collaboration with FE and schools: student information, guidance and support - technical and vocational routes - improving relationships and developing whole-system approaches
- expanding and diversifying routes into HE: new skills and employment policy - meeting local needs - upskilling - mature learners - flexible provision - non-traditional options - LLE rollout
- priorities: improving access to higher education moving forward
All delegates were able to contribute, alongside key policy officials, to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those that attended include officials from DfE; Department for the Economy, NI; MHCLG; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
