Gateway Qualifications welcomes the news from the Department for Education that the proposed withdrawal of funding for Access to HE learners aged 16–19 has been reviewed, and that funding for learners aged 18 and above will now be maintained.
DfE notes that “Access to HE Diplomas are an important pathway designed to support adults to enter higher education, particularly for those individuals who did not follow a traditional academic route.”
Learners aged 18 and over will continue to be able to fund their Access to HE Diploma through an Advanced Learner Loan (ALL).
The decision provides much-needed assurance for learners, colleges and training providers, helping to protect an important progression route into higher education for thousands of people each year.
We recognise the significant efforts made across the Access Validating Agency (AVA) network to highlight the importance of Access to HE and the potential impact that changes to funding could have had on learners and providers. This outcome reflects the strength of the collective voice of organisations committed to widening participation in higher education and supporting learner progression.
Fabienne Bailey, Chief Executive at Gateway Qualifications, said:
“We welcome this decision, which recognises the vital role Access to HE Diplomas play in helping learners progress to higher education. For many people, Access to HE allows them to pursue their ambitions and access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
I would like to thank QAA, NAVAG, our trustees, committee members and centres for their support and advocacy throughout this process. This positive outcome demonstrates what can be achieved when the sector works together.”