Association of Colleges
HE in FE Colleges
Higher Education in Further Education Colleges
FE colleges have historically engaged the non-traditional learner to take up HE courses and colleges are now a key component in achieving the Government target of involving 50% of the 18 - 30 age group in HE by 2010. In fact, approximately 285 FE colleges in 2005/ 2006 delivered HE at their institution.
Colleges have a role in delivering flexible HE programmes for learners who are for instance local to the college and who may not normally opt for the HE route. Additionally, colleges offer foundation degrees, sometimes in partnership with employers, which offers yet another route into HE.
In supporting HE in FE colleges, AoC aims to confirm and develop the role of colleges in progressing learners to, and delivering, higher education.
Representing the sector
The Directorate influences policy and developments through representing AoC and the sector on a number of advisory and working groups including:
- Action on Access Forum
- UCAS Board
- HEFCE FEC Advisory Group
- QAA FEC Liaison Group and Forum
- Board member of UVAC
- Board member of Foundation Degree Forward
The Directorate, to inform both responses to formal consultations and AoC policy, services and lobbying activity, consults the sector in various ways, through Curriculum and Quality Briefings, telephone surveys and focus groups and through regular meetings of AoC convened groups.
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Useful Links
The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA)
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE)