1. FurtherHigher Education: the next phase
Gareth Parry
University of Sheffield

2. According to the text On HE in FECs in 2006-11, HEFCE will:
expect increased activity
strengthen provision (and progression)
streamline funding and monitoring
support new QA method
encourage closer relationships with HEIs
work with LSC (and assorted others)

3. Before 2011 Mainstreaming: key requirements (for all)
Clearing: small pockets
Strengthening: centres for excellence
Stabilising: partnerships (for the many)
Awarding: specific powers (for the few)
Combining: employer engagement and widening participation

4. After 2011 Demographic decline (certainly) Fee deregulation (perhaps)
Increased competition (serious)
Selective intervention (regionally)
Rediscovery of adults (again)
Survival of sectors (probably)

5. What of the English experiment?
Breaking the traditional pattern of demand, with public-private orchestration
Increasing differentiation, without formal stratification
Controlling the range, alongside diversity of mission

6. Some questions
(1) Are colleges and universities part of a common enterprise?
(2) Why should colleges trust in relationships with universities?
(3) Is the college contribution to higher education sustainable?