Widening participation to higher education

Abstract

This report examines the progress made by the Department for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), the Higher Education Funding Council for England, the Office for Fair Access and higher education institutions in England in widening participation in higher education. The UK Government’s 2003 White Paper, ‘The future of higher education’, included a commitment to widen participation in higher education by helping more people from under-represented groups, particularly lower socioeconomic backgrounds, to participate successfully in higher education. Progress was assessed against the following criteria: whether participation of under-represented groups in higher education is increasing; whether initiatives taken by the Department, the Funding Council, the Office for Fair Access and higher education institutions to widen participation are effective; and whether higher education provision is delivered in a way that addresses the barriers to widening participation. To assess progress in increasing participation of under-represented groups, a detailed analysis was undertaken of data held by the Higher Education Statistics Agency. To determine the effectiveness of the widening participation initiatives and explore what barriers remain to participation, surveys were undertaken of 2,900 unsuccessful applicants for higher education places and of 1,000 teachers in primary and secondary schools, along with visits to seven institutions and meetings with representatives of key organisations. This report focuses on what higher education institutions can do through outreach and other widening participation activities to raise the aspirations and attainment of people.