About Access to HE

For many, the route to university isn’t straightforward, and that’s where Access to HE Diplomas can have a transformative impact. This qualification is specifically designed for adults aged 19 and over who may not hold traditional qualifications, such as A-Levels, but are eager to pursue higher education. These intensive, one-year courses provide students with the academic knowledge, study skills, and confidence needed to succeed at university.

What is the Access to HE Final Awards Board (FAB)?

The Final Awards Board is the official meeting where the Access Validating Agency (AVA) – the organisation responsible for validating and awarding Access to HE Diplomas, such as Skills and Education Group Access – confirms students’ achievements. This final step provides the highest standard in quality assurance, ensuring that every student who earns their diploma meets the rigorous national standards set by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

Here’s a simplified look at the FAB journey and what goes on:

• Continuous Moderation: Throughout the course, a Centre Moderator from the AVA (Access Validating Agency) works with the provider in four key stages. To ensure effective support, an initial planning meeting (initial moderation) is held to review the assessment planning documentation. This is followed by a final sampling activity (final moderation), and concludes with a review of any outstanding work right (summative sampling) just weeks before the FAB.

• Internal Review (Pre-FAB): Before the official Final Awards Board, the Access to HE provider holds its internal exam board. Tutors meticulously review all grades to ensure accuracy in the credits awarded to each student. This process ensures everything is perfectly prepared for the provider’s Final Awards Board.

• Document Checks: Following the internal review, the provider uploads essential documents, including grade summaries for each diploma and Award of Credit recommendations, for the Centre Moderator and AVA representative to check for accuracy. This critical behind-the-scenes work guarantees a smooth Final Awards Board.

• The FAB Meeting: This formal meeting brings together an independent Chair, the Centre Moderator, Course Leaders and an AVA representative. The provider formally confirms student achievements.

• Once the FAB has formally approved the awards, recommendations for the Award of Credit are submitted via QuartzWeb, for the results to be verified and processed.  Following this, student achievements are uploaded to DCWeb, allowing students to view their certificate and unit transcript. Where required, hard copy certificates will be printed and issued to the Centres, for distribution to students. This marks the official completion of the Access to HE Diploma and enables students to progress to university.

A Summer of Success: Celebrating Our Centres and Students!

This summer, as Final Awards Boards convene across the country, we want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all Access to HE providers who have tirelessly supported their students. Your dedication to fostering inclusive learning environments, providing exceptional teaching, and guiding students through this challenging yet rewarding qualification is truly commendable.

From providing academic support and UCAS application guidance to offering pastoral care and building confidence, Access to HE providers enable this transformative pathway, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds can realise their potential and access higher education.

And huge congratulations to the thousands of Access to HE students who have or are about to graduate! You have demonstrated incredible resilience, determination, and academic prowess. Your journey is an inspiration, and your success is a testament to the power of second chances and lifelong learning.

With 97% of Access to HE students progressing to degree-level study (UCAS Data 2024), which the QAA cites as 24,000 Access to HE students being accepted at over 140 universities each year, it’s clear that the Access to HE Diploma is a strong and highly respected qualification.

Whether you are a student embarking on your next chapter, a tutor tirelessly supporting students or an expert who is part of the FAB, we are incredibly proud of your achievements and look forward to seeing the positive impact you will continue to make on the world.

Here’s to a summer filled with celebration, new beginnings, and continued success for all Access to HE graduates and the excellent providers that make it all possible!