Access and participation statement

CONTENTS:

Introduction

Foundation of Inclusion: Commitment to Equality Framework

Results Strategic Goals 2025-28

Current student landscape at Results:

a) Student Enrolment based on ethnicity:

b) Age Profile Analysis:

What do we do?

Access and Participation

Priority Student Groups

Mission and Strategy

How We Widen Participation & Improve Access?

Tailored Approach

Support Systems

Outreach Activities

Partnerships to Improve Progression

Promoting and Monitoring our Success through:

Goals to Improve Access & Participation

Policy Review

Introduction

Results Consortium (Results) is dedicated to expanding access and participation in higher education. This commitment is demonstrated through our published Widening Access Statement and our proven track record in delivering successful outcomes in access, achievement, and progression within our Higher Education programmes.

Foundation of Inclusion: Commitment to Equality Framework

Results is committed to welcoming students from diverse backgrounds into our programmes, ensuring that everyone receives the necessary support to thrive both academically and in their personal and professional lives.

For the 2024-25 academic year, Results has collaborative partnerships with other higher education providers, each of which maintains its own Access & Participation Plan. As such, Results aligns with the access and participation frameworks outlined by these institutions in their respective Plans, while complementing our Statement to ensure a comprehensive and cohesive approach.

Our Access & Participation Statement outlines our efforts to meet student expectations and comply with the Office for Students’ standards. We are committed to ensuring strong participation from underrepresented and minority ethnic groups in higher education, with a particular focus on supporting these groups.

Results Strategic Goals 2025-28

Strategic Plan 2025-28 has identified the following goals:

– Increased participation from the communities with limited access to higher education
– Increased participation of students from BAME groups
– Student outcomes that lead to improved employment prospects

Current student landscape at Results:

a) Student Enrolment based on ethnicity:

In 2021/2022, the majority of our students were from a White (other) background. By 2022/2023, this number decreased, with a significant increase in the number of Black students, alongside a smaller group of students from other mixed ethnic and Asian backgrounds. In 2023/2024, the proportion of White-background students rose again, while the number of Black students decreased. Additionally, there was a growth in the number of students from mixed and Asian ethnic backgrounds. We have been actively engaging with community groups to further diversify and support all ethnic backgrounds within our student body.

a) Age Profile Analysis:

In 2021-22, the largest groups were 30-34 and 35-39, with smaller numbers in the 50-54, and 55- 59 age ranges. By 18-24 2022-23, the 25-29, 30-34, and 35-39 age groups continued to be
prominent, while the 45-49 group saw growth. In 2023-24, the 18-24 and 45-49 age groups expanded, and the 55-59 group experienced a slight increase. Overall, the age distribution remained diverse, with some shifts in proportions over the years.

The College is confident in its ability to showcase a high enrolment rate of students from underrepresented groups, while also maintaining a strong proportion of mature students across its courses.

What do we do?

Access and Participation Focus

At Results, our mission is to enhance access to higher education for underrepresented ethnic minority groups and students facing barriers. We are committed to ensuring high participation rates and strong support for these groups, with a focus on addressing barriers and fostering inclusion in higher education.

Target Student Groups

We prioritise the following groups:

  • Mature students
  • Individuals from areas with low higher education participation, low household income, or
    lower socioeconomic status
  •  Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups
  •  Carers
  •  Refugees.

Mission and Strategy

Our goal is to significantly increase enrolment from underrepresented groups in higher education for the 2024/2025 academic year. We are committed to providing comprehensive and tailored
support systems and conducting outreach activities as key strategies to engage disadvantaged and underrepresented groups, promoting equal opportunities for engagement and inclusion in higher education.

How We Widen Participation & Improve Access?

At Results, students are empowered to succeed through a comprehensive support system and tailored approach. The student success environment includes:

Tailored Approach

  • Providing additional English language support for students who need it, ensuring academic success.
  • Developing Individual Learner Support Plans for each student, with guidance from a dedicated team at Results to support both personal and professional development
  •  Offering flexible teaching schedules, including weekend classes, so students with work or care commitments can continue their education without sacrificing other responsibilities.
  •  Implementing a blended learning model that combines in-person teaching with online resources through a virtual learning environment (Canvas).
  •  Promoting a learner-centric approach with smaller class sizes and personalised interventions, including one-on-one sessions.
  •  Offering classes at local learning centres easily accessible to target groups.

Support Systems

Through our Information, Advice, and Guidance (IAG) service, we offer:

  • Signposting individuals to organisations that can support special needs where Results is unable to provide that support
  • Information on bursaries, grants, and other financial assistance to overcome barriers such as childcare and support for carers.
  •  Free guidance and support through the higher education application process
    Offering Information and Guidance on Student Loan applications and other student support services, including referrals to:
    ○ The National Careers Service
    ○ The Money Advice Service
    ○ Student Finance England (SFE)

Outreach Activities

We engage in outreach efforts that include:

  • Collaborating with communities in Uplift Postcode Areas to promote higher education opportunities.
  • Outreach activities with community centres and other social and charitable organisations to promote access to higher education within the community.

Partnerships to Improve Progression

We establish partnerships to enhance progression opportunities:

  • Strengthening relationships with local employers to facilitate student referrals into higher education.
  • Encouraging students to pursue higher-level studies and support career aspirations, including progression from HND to top-up degrees, through partnerships with other institutions to create pathways for academic success.

Promoting and Monitoring our Success through:

  • Careful analysis and discussion of grades awarded in internal meetings are essential for quality assurance, as they help identify any disparities in achievement between groups of students.
  • Maintaining clear and accessible communication channels between students and theHigher Education (HE) team on a regular basis, providing students with consistentacademic and social support and guidance.
  • Consistently integrating referencing and research skill development into course delivery from Induction onward; Using student feedback to guide adjustments and ensure the approach best meets students’ needs and preferences.
  • Conducting regular meetings between student representatives and our Academic
    Manager to discuss student feedback on academic resources, with the outcomes presented and assessed at each meeting as part of the quality assurance process.
  • The process of collecting student destination data to track the progression of students after completing HND L4 and L5 involves gathering information on students’ further academic pursuits or career paths. This data can include whether students continue to higher education, secure employment, or engage in other professional development opportunities

Goals to Improve Access & Participation

  • Our goal for the academic year 2024/2025 is to increase participation from underrepresented groups in higher education.
  • We are also committed to broadening the categories of underrepresented groups we support in future years, aligned with growing student enrolments.

Policy Review

  • Results’ Access and Participation Statement will be reviewed annually and published on our website
  • Information on fees, higher education provisions, and contact details for support services,including assistance with applications and financial guidance, will also be available on our website.