The future of fair access: the retention challenge What works? Student Retention and Success 11 April 2017

Entry rates: The number of 18 year olds from low participation neighbourhoods has increased dramatically and the gap is narrowing 73% 19.5% 11.2% Source: UCAS (End of cycle 2016, 18 year olds)

Ten years of progress…what’s behind it? Increase in outreach Student lifecycle approach More tailored, evidence- based spend More collaborative work Long-term focus, commitment and resource

The importance of student success “Access without support is not opportunity” Cathy Engstrom and Vincent Tinto, Syracuse University

Non-continuation rates by POLAR3 quintiles Source: HESA

Considerable variation between institutions – non-continuation rates range from 0% to 24% Source: HESA

Young (under 21) and mature Source: HESA

Disabled students Source: HESA

Non-continuation by ethnic group Source: HESA

Access agreement expenditure: student success investments are increasing Predicted Source: 2017-18 access agreements

Balance of access agreement expenditure: Institutions are reducing spend on financial support and increasing spend on access, student success and progression activities Predicted Source: 2017-18 access agreements

Looking ahead Political consensus Growing focus on student success Demographic change Teaching Excellence Framework Higher Education and Research Bill – a new Office for Students