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Feasibility Study for an Evaluation of Aimhigher: P4P

Summary

In May 2003, the National Centre for Social Research was commissioned by HEFCE and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) to undertake research into the feasibility of evaluating Aimhigher: Partnerships for Progression (P4P). This is the report of the findings. It presents recommendations for consideration by HEFCE and the LSC. It does not, therefore, represent an agreed framework for evaluation.

Aimhigher: P4P is part of a programme to increase and widen participation in higher education. Initially, HEFCE and the LSC made available funds of £60 million over the three years 2003-2006 to regional partnerships across England, which comprised HE institutions, further education colleges, schools and other parties. These funds will be used to deliver activities aimed at disseminating information, advice and guidance to target groups to encourage and support them in continuing their education. In July 2003, an additional £18 million per annum was made available through Aimhigher: P4P, enabling programmes of work to expand. In addition, it was announced that, during 2004, Aimhigher: P4P was to merge with its sister initiative, Aimhigher: Excellence Challenge, under the 'Aimhigher' brand.

The aim of this study was to establish whether it is feasible to estimate robustly, at a national level, the volume of activities taking place using Aimhigher: P4P funds and the net impact of these activities, particularly on HE participation rates. A feasibility study was required partly because it was not apparent whether a reliable measure of net impact could be achieved either at all or, even if possible, at anything like reasonable cost and/or by the time results are needed in 2006.

As the study evolved, the aims were addressed through four key questions or areas:

• How much activity is taking place (a question of volume)?
• What results follow this activity (a question of outcomes)?
• What difference does this activity make (a question of impact)?
• What other aspects of the programme merit research and how might this research be organised (a question of adding depth and diversity)?

A Next Steps section suggest actions that might be taken to progress the evaluations.

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Last updated 3 October 2003