In June 2025 FACE will host its annual conference at the University of Bath. Whether you’re definitely planning to attend, need to convince a budget holder that its worthwhile, or on the fence about the benefits, we hope that the following reflections help you to prepare and inform your decision making!

In May, QAA published a major new resource which, by charting key points through the student journey, flags key materials to support educators in implementing effective measures to close awarding gaps.

As I embark on some research into the readiness of FE colleges to deliver new Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) I find myself reflecting….

Widening Participation is an established and well know movement to increase access to universities for children from all socio-economic backgrounds. Unfortunately, a similar model does not yet exist for secondary state schools.

As I embark on some research into the readiness of FE colleges to deliver new Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) I find myself reflecting….

As I embark on some research into the readiness of FE colleges to deliver new Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) I find myself reflecting….

Are you interested in using your experience in the Higher Education sector to help younger generations thrive? School governance could be your next rewarding role. Governors for Schools is looking for skilled professionals across England and Wales to join one of the largest volunteering forces in the country.

Are you interested in using your experience in the Higher Education sector to help younger generations thrive? School governance could be your next rewarding role. Governors for Schools is looking for skilled professionals across England and Wales to join one of the largest volunteering forces in the country.

It’s a funny thing that as long as I have worked in widening participation, as many different ways we have come up with to categorise socio-economic class for students, universities lag way behind in understanding the same make up of their staff. 

I am fortunate to work in an FE college where I am currently involved in helping students to apply to university through UCAS. Previously I was responsible for the HE courses that the college offers.  About 300 of our 600 level 3 two-year students apply through UCAS each year. Many of them live in neighbourhoods which have low representation in higher education and as result I am interested in widening participation and access.