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An important element of the Office for Students’ (OfS’s) work around equality of opportunity is ensuring that there are flexible and diverse pathways into higher education.

Today, we have published updated regulatory guidance and advice for universities and colleges to produce access and participation plans.

The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) will give individuals up to the age of 60 access to a loan that will cover the costs for the equivalent of four years of post-18 study. Jack Smith, the OfS’s Head of Pathways and Funding Policy, explores the possibilities and impact of colleges and universities offering more funded modular study.

Following the publication of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 outcomes, TEF panel deputy chairs share examples of excellence observed in submissions and what they learnt from the process.

Jack Smith, the OfS’s Head of Pathways and Funding Policy, explores the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement and the OfS’s role in implementing it.

Tailoring outreach activity to the learners’ specific needs is only possible through close collaboration with schools and students themselves. Higher Horizons+ explain how they’re working to achieve this.

Developing the OfS’s approach to value for money.

Aimhigher West Midlands are working with recent graduates who offer peer-to-peer outreach to young learners in their target schools.

As part of their work within the National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP), Aspire Higher are delivering a long-term project with local students to design and deliver a wellbeing campaign.

Chris Millward, Director for Fair Access and Participation, explains why the National Collaborative Outreach Programme is already showing signs of encouraging access and participation amongst young learners.