Assessing barriers to progression

Education is about enabling people to achieve their full potential; however a variety of barriers may stand in the way of academic progression. Academic institutions have to find ways of addressing these barriers that face so many people when it comes to formal education, to make a real difference in their communities.

Any initiatives to engage excluded learners need to adopt flexible working methods which recognise the often complex social and personal issues which affect the potential learner’s ability to participate in and sustain a course of study. Potential students may lack role models at home, or have had poor experiences of education in the past, a culture of low expectations, low income, geographic isolation, family responsibilities as well as not being used to the culture of HE/FE institutions, structures, methods and approaches.

Any one or more of these may stand in their way. Universities and colleges should ask what can they do to widen participation and support students, in particular those that never experienced formal education. Barriers to participation are usually deep rooted, and understanding these barriers is the first step to be able to address them. This way, following appropriate training provided in this resource, staff are better equipped to overcome levels of resistance students may have, thus leading to a wider participation in post-compulsory education.

Further information

• North Forum members
• Local information 

Assessing barriers to progression PDF

To understand possible barriers to progression and know what are the most common in your area.

Interpersonal skills PPT

To be familiar with interpersonal skills and how to use these to better engage with potential students (PowerPoint presentation).