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SPA Media

News releases

4 November 2009

Higher Ambitions, the HE Framework - transparency and fair admissions

SPA, the Supporting Professionalism in Admissions Programme, welcomes yesterday's launch of the Government's document, Higher Ambitions - The future of universities in a knowledge economy. Much of the work already in progress by SPA is basis for working together with universities and colleges to deliver the framework's vision of an effective and fair admissions process.

A number of the responsibilities highlighted for higher education to develop further on wider and fairer access are already being worked on by SPA with institutions, and SPA's input is referred to in the framework. SPA's work includes

• The use of contextual data to help identify, support and admit applicants with potential to study and succeed in higher education from a broader range of backgrounds
• Working with institutions in their developing a professional 'joined up' applicant experience from raising aspirations, widening inclusion through application and transition into higher education
• Encouraging higher education providers to consider and admitting students with a wide range of qualifications, including those with vocational qualifications
• Support to enhance good practice in admissions by those offering higher education in further education colleges
• Issues of good practice at universities and colleges to encourage applicants wanting to benefit from HE as part-time and/or mature students both in the workplace and at institutions

SPA has visited over 125 universities and colleges since it was established in 2006 and in the last year alone has presented at, and attended, over 60 conferences and events promoting good practice, encouraging greater transparency and fairness in admissions, student recruitment and widening inclusion in higher education.

SPA develops its evidence base for good practice from its own research and analysis, visits to institutions, discussions with HE organisations, groups and networks. Working with partners and colleagues is essential to deliver and develop the fair access agenda and SPA welcomes the framework which will give further impetus to our work to support the higher education sector throughout the UK.

Updated: November 2009

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