The Compact Scheme: from Fair Access to Success Jenni Woods Director of Widening Participation J.Woods@kingston.ac.uk Eglė Butt Planning Office E.Butt@kingston.ac.uk

Background and Context Compact introduced in 2006 to support fair access to Kingston University Aimed at groups under-represented in HE using broad criteria, e.g. first generation to HE Primary focus on special admissions arrangements Available to a small number of partner schools and colleges

Developments since 2006 Introduction of intensive transitional support Expansion of targeting criteria Not restricted to particular schools/colleges Move away from automatic points reduction to contextual admissions Ongoing support to meet the needs of some groups (care leavers, estranged learners, young carers)

Current interventions Fast Track programme (sixth form/FE) Pre-entry information, advice and guidance Contextual admissions Head Start Summer School Transitional workshops and events Sign-posting to extra and co-curricular opportunities Single point of contact from application to graduation Enhanced support via KU Cares

Evaluation framework

Growth of Compact scheme 2006/07-2015/16 Figure 1. Number of all home students enrolled each year in compact scheme. Trend line shows growth of the scheme since 2006.

2015/16 Student profile Figure 2. Demographic profile of 2015/16 Compact students compared to the wider UG student population.

Academic performance and 1st year progression Figure 3. Proportion of 1st year students who were eligible to progress at the end of 2015/16 academic year.

Head Start questionnaire results   Pre Post Difference I understand how to balance my studies/personal life/other commitments 57% 82% 25% I feel prepared for starting at Kingston University 52% 90% 38% I think that I will fit in at University 62% 88% 26% I feel part of the Kingston University community 39% 80% 41% I am familiar with the campus where I will be studying 83% 42% I am aware of the support services available at Kingston University 35% 95% 60% I know who to contact if I experience difficulties with my studies 16% 94% 78% I know who to contact should I require help or advice about personal matters 15% 84% 69%

1st year progression Figure 4. Proportion of 1st year compact students who were eligible to progress at the end of 2015/16 academic year in comparison to the wider 1st year UG student cohort by their demographic profile.

Awards Figure 5. Proportion of good degrees (1st and 2.1) obtained by care leavers, all compact students and the rest of graduate student cohort over the three year period.

Full-time, 1st degree graduate employment Figure 6. Proportion of compact and care leaver graduates in work or further study 6 months after graduation compared to non-compact graduate population over the 3 year period.

Future Developments Continued expansion of Fast Track programme as part of NCOP activity Heads-up summer school for applicants with an Autistic Spectrum Condition Action plan to support mature learners across the student life-cycle Closer collaboration with the Students’ Union

The Compact Scheme: from Fair Access to Success Jenni Woods Director of Widening Participation J.Woods@kingston.ac.uk Eglė Butt Planning Office E.Butt@kingston.ac.uk