Mature Students’ Perceptions of Accessing Higher Education in England: A Case Study on a London-based Alternative Higher Education Provider

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Ensuring equal access for all to affordable and quality higher education is a key target of the United Nation’s sustainable development agenda (target 4.3). However, with numerous factors influencing inclusivity and equity in higher education, achieving this goal has been increasingly challenging in the United Kingdom (UK). While the UK government has urged all relevant stakeholders to engage with its “widening participation strategy”; higher education providers have a prodigious responsibility in ensuring equal access for all (Connel-Smith & Hubble, 2018). \newline For mature students (aged 21+), accessing higher education involves navigating several barriers. These include fear of re-adapting to a learning environment, age-related stigma, juggling family and work responsibilities, lack of awareness regarding application and funding processes, and limited support and guidance (Brown, 2021; Farini & Scollan, 2019; Hubble & Bolton, 2021; Johnson, 2023; Moore et al., 2013; Office for Students, 2021a). While these barriers challenge mature students to access higher education, various support mechanisms enable them to successfully overcome them. \newline This research endeavored to identify what factors enable mature students to access higher education overcoming barriers to learning. Using a single case study research design, qualitative data was collected through three focus group discussions with mature students from an alternative higher education provider in London. Thematic analysis revealed three key findings: (1) motivations behind accessing higher education, such as advancing employability, utilizing spare time productively, evolving with life, pursing personal growth, fulfilling family aspirations, or acting on professional recommendations; (2) barriers like lack of confidence, high costs, competing priorities, language, digital literacy and accessibility challenges; and (3) support mechanisms including confidence-building programs, preparatory programs, financial aid and supportive institutional cultures. The research concludes that, despite challenges, mature students equipped with determination and robust support systems can successfully navigate barriers to access higher education.