1 Exploring historical trends in widening participation: what can we learn from data on the uptake of OU courses in deprived areas of the UK Dr Terry Di Paolo Dr Jonathan Hughes CWP Conference June 2010

2 Purpose of research The OU needs to have a better understanding of the context and impact of its own WP work –Part of the Open University’s activity centred on Eccleshill Explore ways in which OU could learn more about the: –Impact of WP work –Aspirations in the community –Agents/networks influencing aspiration and access Look at ways in which we can better understand the local (in particular the OU) effect

3 Eccleshill 1 of 30 wards in Metropolitan District of Bradford 2001 Census population 16, % White 40% aged 16+ have no formal qualifications Figure 1: Ward boundaries in Bradford Metropolitan District with Eccleshill highlighted. © Crown Copyright Ordnance Survey. All rights reserved. Source: Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

4 Exploring local deprivation Use the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (2007) Offers comparison across England using government data IMD segments England into 32, 428 LSOAs Reports on seven deprivation domains –income –employment –health and disability –education, skills and training –barriers to housing and services –crime –living environment Figure: Overall deprivation in Eccleshill from IMD 2007 © Crown Copyright Ordnance Survey. All rights reserved. Source: Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

Partner Closeout Meeting Feb Eccleshill in the context of England LSOANational Rank Ravenscliffe433 Upper Fagley797 Greengates905 Eccleshill Village (Stonegate)1983 Greengates and Thorpedge3229 Eccleshill Village (Victoria Road) 6143 Fagley South9648 Eccleshill Village (The Mount)10324 Fagley North11651 Eccleshill (the Delph)12167 Eccleshill Village (Pullan Avenue) LSOANational Rank Ravenscliffe58 Greengates169 Eccleshill Village (Stonegate)1024 Upper Fagley1199 Greengates and Thorpedge1878 Eccleshill Village (Victoria Road) 4479 Eccleshill Village (The Mount)5620 Fagley North6119 Eccleshill (the Delph)9131 Fagley South9377 Eccleshill Village (Pullan Avenue) Rank of overall deprivation score Rank of education, training and skills deprivation score

6 IMD 2007 data

7 Engagement with the OU 207 “students” in total since % female Mean age approx 30 20% at least 1 A-level or equivalent 10% have past HE experience

8 Student recruitment since the 1970’s

9 A closer look at recruitment 43% - 90 students did not progress past registration or reservation on a module. 14% - 30 students failed or did not achieve a pass on the first course they studied and subsequently ended their studies. 28 completed two or more modules – less than half continuing 38 students completed and at least one module but only 10 students appeared to be continuing with their studies. 8 students ended their studies when they experienced their first fail 7 Graduates

10 Active students Total students Active students

11 Graduates mapped TotalGraduates

12 Interviews with adults –exploring the ‘now’ Informants included –3 Openings Students –3 non-Openings Students. –One informal group interview with 8 non- Openings Students taking an adult literacy class All those interviewed were female

13 Adults: an overview of the findings Deprivation linked to not going on to higher education and no/low formal qualifications The Open University is making a difference – but why do so few complete their studies with a degree? A few are uncomfortable about going into colleges – preferring more familiar places. Families help and hinder learning. Their encouragement and support, financial and emotional is vital. Openings courses are for people with no qualifications. The level is still too high for people who left school at the age of 16 with no qualifications.

Two key questions Is there value in looking at local historical trends? Provides useful insights Builds on anecdotal evidence What are the challenges of trend analysis?

On-going work Joint work COBE/CWP Blackburn and London Focus on what effects OU partnership working has on local communities And what effect this has on the OU