The Importance of Access to HE

Linda WyattCEO

AIM Awards

Context

• Involved for over 25 years• Development of one of first programmes in

East Midlands• Access programme manager • Success stories• Present time

What is Access

The Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is a qualification which prepares students for study at university.

Regulated by QAA It is designed for people who would like to study

in HE but who left school without the usual qualifications, such as A levels.

An alternative routeLife-changing

Change in Access

Responded to external changes and H.E needs:• 2007: Diploma following review of certificate

in 2004• 2009: grading – meeting HE need for

differentiated achievement• 2014: revised specification following review– Increased standardisation– changes in HE funding

Funding/Loans

• Currently reduced to 19-24 full funding, BUT• Non-repayment of F.E adult loans (2013) on

completion of H.E course - statement of intent from government: recognition of value, making Access more secure

• “Added value” of Access • Great preparation for H.E.

ABB= offers

• 30 credits @ Distinction + 15 Credits@ Merit

• Arguably higher achievement than A’ Level – no/few quals on entry– 9 month course– no “grade polishing” – 14.7% achievers (AIM Awards AVA) in 20012

Great Preparation

• “Added value” of Access • Great preparation for H.E.– E.g UoD Access studentOne of best essays seen from first year studentObviously been taught wellSurprised by standard so early in degree courseAccess a fantastic platform for going into a degree

Belinda Robinson

Belinda Robinson

2008: Access to HE (Social Science), CG Partnership2011: BA (Hons) 1st Class in Humanistic Counselling, University of Nottingham

Worked for Lincolnshire Counselling (1 year)Set up own practiceTeaching Certificate – teaching Counselling skills for C&G partnership

Scott Ellis

Scott worked as a coal miner before he enrolled on theAccess to HE course. He is now a college lecturer.1998: Access to Social Sciences, North Derbyshire Tertiary College(now Chesterfield College)2002: BA (Hons) Social Policy, Sheffield Hallam University2006: MA Social Science Research Methods, Sheffield Hallam University2006: Certificate in Education, North Nottinghamshire College2007: Lecturer at The Dukeries College, Nottinghamshire

Scott Ellis