The Valuing Enrichment Project

A long-term piece of longitudinal research into enrichment spanning four years (2020-2024) is being undertaken in a pioneering collaboration between AoC and the University of Derby, funded by NCFE. The research will seek to demonstrate the huge role enrichment activities play in preparing students for employment and careers.

The aim of the in-depth research is to get sector wide agreement on what we mean by “enrichment” and to fill the evidence gap around enrichment in post-16 education. This project will include reporting on the current state of enrichment activities delivered across the sector, sharing best practice, demonstrating their impact to government departments, and articulating the case for why such activities should be more strongly supported as a means to create more work-ready, resilient and active citizens. The approach to this piece of research is unique and will provide evidence focused and influential data. The approach will be fluid and allow us to evidence changes in practice and impact through repeated surveys of different types of post-16 organisations, as well as qualitative interviews with staff and students within those organisations.

Two reports will be produced, one expected to be available in June 2023, and a further final project report will be published in Spring 2024.

Latest Report

Find our main resource of case studies here:

The role of enrichment in colleges – College Voices case study resource

Please find the link to articles, blogs and resources which have been created as part of the research: