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ABSTRACT
The potential for further education colleges (FECs) to contribute to widening higher education access has been recognised in a number of studies. Yet, evidence suggests that higher education participation rates from FECs are lower than from school sixth forms. This article reports on the early findings from a research project that is exploring how colleges could harness their progression potential. The project’s starting point is in recognising that many college students do go onto university-level education and training, which suggests that instances of good practice do exist within FECs. In confirming this supposition, the findings highlight the pivotal role that subject tutors can play in supporting progression. Whilst the study calls for the wider recognition and adoption of these practices, the findings also suggest ways in which this support could be enhanced as well as complemented by college-wide activities and outreach initiatives.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to those who participated in the study’s focus groups, as well as Catherine Duro, Carolyn Stevens and Carol, and my colleagues Robin Webber-Jones and John Baldwin. Thank you also to the Shire Community Grant programme for the financial support that enabled the research to be conducted, and to the grant officers for their advice and guidance.
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No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
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Neil Raven
Dr Neil Raven is an independent educational consultant and researcher working in the field of widening participation and fair access. He is also a visiting lecturer in the School of Education, University of Bristol. He has published a range of articles and book chapters on aspects of widening participation, evaluation planning and professional practice.