Publication information

Ref No: 021914
Published date: 2002
Author: Ruth Bromley et al
Programme Area: RGEN
Theme: Improving Access
Cost: £0

Summary: The Learning and Skills Council funded the research project in January 2002 as part of its core grant to the Learning and Skills Development Agency. The aim of the project was to investigate Access provision in Further Education Colleges in England and assist the LSC in determining the importance of access provision and its appropriateness in the current portfolio of qualifications, particularly in the light of the Higher Education participation targets for 2010. A further aim was to investigate what types of courses might be appropriately developed for the 19-21 year old learners for whom an access course is not an option. The research concludes that a new national strategy for Access is needed. The contribution of Access courses, for both adults and 19-21 year olds, to widening participation in HE needs to be redefined, given prominence and supported at a local and national level. It also concludes that action needs to be taken to ensure a higher proportion of students who successfully complete Access courses progress to HE. This has implications for the financial support of students.