August 2003/40
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| To: | Heads of HEFCE-funded higher education institutions Heads of HEFCE-funded further education colleges Heads of universities in Northern Ireland |
| Of interest to those responsible for: | Widening participation |
| Reference: | 2003/40 |
| Publication date: | August 2003 |
| Enquiries to: |
Caroline Charlton Jenni Newman John Selby |
Executive summary (read on-line)
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Executive summary
Purpose
1. In HEFCE 99/33, published in May 1999, we asked higher education institutions and further education colleges to submit plans for collaborative projects aimed at widening participation in higher education. We requested initial statements from higher education institutions of their strategies for widening participation, which we then monitored through each institution's annual operating statements.
2. This document provides an overview of the third annual monitoring reports and the final evaluation reports, reporting on lessons learned and action taken as a result. It also provides an overview of the programme and the wider lessons learned.
Key points
3. Overall the widening participation projects undertaken by institutions were successful in having a significant impact on institutions and on target groups.
4. The programme has encouraged collaboration between institutions, including those considering themselves to be competitors.
5. Good project management and adequate staffing have been key to the successful meeting of targets.
6. Projects have been most successful where they had clearly defined objectives and targets.
7. The Learning and Skills Council will shortly publish a similar report focusing on the projects led by further education colleges. For information please contact Paul Smith (paul.smith@lsc.gov.uk).
Action required
8. None: this report is for information.