Supporting adult learners through partnership

Gemma Standen – Widening Participation Officer for Mature Students

Context

Role introduced late 2018 to support mature students across the university lifecycle.

Two specific APP targets:

• Increase our market share of mature students from the local area
• Reduce the retention gap between older and younger students leaving their course of learning

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Working in partnership with Access to HE providers

We have partnership agreements with three local providers of Access to High Education diplomas to provide:

• IAG for tutors, including support with some of the ungraded elements of the diploma
• A range of supportive talks throughout the academic year – including how to understand entry requirements, student finance and services available to help adult learners
• Individual virtual meetings for students with specific questions and concerns
• Campus experiences (Covid permitting)
• A reduced tariff for students completing an Access to HE Diploma

Contextualised admissions

An agreement which offers Access to HE students at the partner FE College a reduced grade offer for courses at UEA of a pass in 45 Level 3 credits, including 30 at merit and pass in 15.

Students get a guaranteed interview/audition on courses requiring them. Offer applies if successful.

The following caveats remain, related to the UEA Admissions Policy:

• All GCSE requirements remain
• All specific subject pathways remain
• Subject to an acceptable sample of work for relevant courses
• Subject to non-academic requirements for courses

Impact on Admissions

• Increased number of applications, offers and acceptances across all partner institution

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• The average tariff points achieved from adult students from partner FECs has increased since the introduction of the reduced offer.

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• Our reduced offer equates to 80 tariff points; the average achievement for 2020/21 saw an increase of +20 tariff points (up from +6 tariff points in 2019/20)

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• Greater attendance and engagement with transition and welcome activities

Other positive factors

• Establishment of the Mature Student Peer Support Network – a free group for mature students providing peer support and social opportunities

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• An engaged group of students who have progressed into Higher Education who are eager to support others on a similar path

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• Supporting our partners admissions onto access courses by promoting their pathways

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• A better understanding of perceived barriers and factors preventing students in accessing Higher Education

Next steps for our approach

Gemma Standen

g.Standen@uea.ac.uk

Thank you