1. Promoting Access within the current policy context

2. Context Increased competition for reduced places in HE Increased fees in HE/introduction of loans for L3 learners aged 24+ in FE from 2013-14 Reduced allocations for colleges Recent changes to student number controls for 2012/13 – core/margin UCAS – Qualification Information Review and Admissions Review (Post Qualifications Admissions)

3. Impact on Access learners and provision Increased competition – higher graded offers? Greater debt, particularly for 24+ learners – lower recruitment? FE loans – incentive or disincentive? FE making tough procurement decisions –reduction in Access provision? Disproportionate impact of in-year revisions on applicants from Access to HE provision? No limit on AAB offers - even greater competition for Access learners? UCAS reviews – level playing field or further disadvantage?

4. What are the key messages? Access learner success rates in HE Role of Access to HE learners in HE access agreements Meeting the stated government aims around social mobility and social inclusion Disproportionate effect of FE loans (2013-14) on non-traditional groups

5. How do we communicate the messages? HE/FE partnerships Sustained evidence-based lobbying/campaigning Participation in stakeholder groups Collaborative responses to consultations and to policy developments (media, conferences) – consistent messages Collaboration between Awarding Organisations to ensure a level playing field for alternative routes into HE