1. The Compact Scheme: from Fair Access to Success
Jenni Woods
Director of Widening Participation
Eglė Butt
Planning Office

2. 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

3. 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)

4. 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

5. Evaluation framework

6. 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.

7. 2015/16 Student profile
Figure 2. Demographic profile of 2015/16 Compact students compared to the wider UG student population.

8. 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.

9. 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%

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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

14. The Compact Scheme: from Fair Access to Success
Jenni Woods
Director of Widening Participation
Eglė Butt
Planning Office