Supporting the transition to higher education: a 21 st century perspective Professor Sue Piotrowski Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Canterbury Christ Church University

Overview The increasing PRIORITY given to supporting transition into HE The increasing COMPLEXITY of supporting transition into HE APPROACHES to supporting transition

Introduction Several key points of transition in education Transition into HE is just one of these Increasing priority given to ensuring a smooth transition into HE in early part of 21 st century

The increasing priority of supporting transition in HE Commitment to increasing and widening participation in HE (50% target) Greater emphasis on student retention Increasing emphasis on HE outcomes (academic attainment / employability)

The increasing complexity of supporting transition in HE Increasing participation: 1960/70s: 6% population (largely full- time, under-21, residential, no fees, means-tested grants) 2006: 44% participation (18 – 30 year olds) Much higher student:staff ratios More ‘first generation’ entrants

The increasing complexity of supporting transition in HE Increasing gender diversity: 1860s first women admitted to university 1992 women outnumber men in HE 2006 women = 57% of HE population 21 st century HE transition: increasing focus on young men

The increasing complexity of supporting transition in HE Diversity of educational background on entry: 1960s and 1970s largely A level entry A level still most common but now increasingly wide range of vocational / non-vocational qualifications Standards of English and Maths on entry causing widespread concern

The increasing complexity of supporting transition in HE Increasingly diverse student intake: 40% of all HE students are part-time 22% of first degree students are over % of students are from EU and overseas 14.9% of UK domiciled students from ethnic minorities Over 100,000 students have known disability 18% live at home with parents (of these 15% spend 3 – 4 hours commuting each day)

The increasing complexity of supporting transition in HE Students’ changing financial circumstances (Sudexho-Times Higher 2006 survey): 65% rely on student loans 39% expect to graduate with debts >£10k 10% have < £20 week to live on 31% do paid work during term time

Supporting transition to HE in 21 st century: some approaches Increasingly ‘learner-centred’ approach Many HEIs reviewing / revising induction Greater attention to pre-entry phase Examples of HE transition initiatives (Aimhigher Kent and Medway): -Summer Schools and Master Classes -HE student ambassadors / mentoring -Compacts and flexible curriculum developments