Higher Education Authority an tÚdarás um Ard-Oideachas HEA

In 2006 the National Office conducted an Evaluation of Access Programmes in twenty-seven higher education institutions. A collaborative approach was adopted to the evaluation and there was active contribution from programme participants, practitioners and policy makers to identify what is working well in access programmes and to share good practice. A self-evaluation approach was also included so that higher education institutions would recognise where there are gaps in their practice, they were also advised to seek the views of all other relevant stakeholders such as past, present and prospective students and their families, graduates, employers, community education workers and teachers/principals of local schools and further education colleges. In addition, the evaluation team conducted three focus group meetings to gather the views of programme participants and other partners outside the institutions.
The evaluation has proposed a framework of policies and initiatives for successful higher education access programmes. The framework specifies the practical elements of policy, practice, partnership and targeting that are required for a successful access programme. This will assist higher education institutions in their work to attract and support students from under-represented groups.

Eight steps for future action are recommended; these include development of an access plan in each institution, development of stronger links between higher education institutions and the rest of the education system and improved systems of funding to support progress and achievement.