Access agreements: ECU response

Equality Challenge Unit, the higher education equality body, welcomes the commitment higher education institutions are making to support underrepresented students, as the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) publishes its decision on institutional access agreements and confirmed fee levels for 2012/13 today (Tuesday 12 July 2011). 

ECU's Chief Executive David Ruebain said:

'We are pleased that higher education institutions have committed to improving access for students who are under represented in higher education and where appropriate, improving retention and student success.

Through our work in advancing equality and diversity in higher education, we know that certain groups of students are underrepresented, are presented with barriers to attainment, or are more likely to discontinue their studies. This includes students from black and minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled students and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered students. The commitment that institutions have made in their access agreements will help address these inequalities.

ECU is in regular contact with OFFA and the sector, and we will continue to provide support to institutions to help all students achieve regardless of their characteristics or background.'