Access to Higher Education (HE) diplomas play a pivotal role in opening doors for learners seeking to pursue university studies. At Skills and Education Group Access, we’re committed to ensuring these qualifications are robust and responsive to the evolving needs of students and providers. To shed light on our vision and commitment, we sat down with Keran, our newly appointed Head of Access to HE. In this Q&A, Keran shares her personal journey with Access to HE, her aspirations for the role, and her insights on the future of this vital educational pathway.

Welcome, Keran! Could you tell us about your journey to becoming the Head of Access to HE at Skills and Education Group? What experiences have shaped your perspective on Access to Higher Education?

I have been involved in Access to HE since 2003 when I returned to education as an Access student at York College. This experience ignited my passion for lifelong learning and progression, leading me to study Social Policy, Crime, and Criminal Justice at the University of York.

My teaching journey began at York College, where I taught Access to HE and later took on roles as a Diploma Moderator for the Yorkshire and Humber region and with OCN North East Access Validating Agencies (AVAs). Alongside teaching, I worked closely with local universities to design and validate a range of degree programmes for the college. My commitment to Access to HE and its transformative impact led me to become a Centre Moderator with the AVA. Additionally, my involvement as both Chair and panel member for several Academic Boards, committees and validation panels over the years, continues to fuel my passion for the qualification and the opportunities for progression it offers for students. I also hold External Examiner positions for undergraduate programmes, and through this, I can see first-hand the transformative impact and incredible results that Access to HE students achieve.

Now, as Head of Access to HE at Skills and Education Group, I will continue to champion the life-changing opportunities the Access to HE Diploma provides, working to support both learners and providers in delivering high-quality, accessible education.

What excites you most about your new role?

My key focus is to continue ensuring the integrity of Skills and Education Group Access to HE offer, which includes transformative and innovative diplomas, and to deliver exceptional customer service and support to our existing and future providers. I am fortunate to work with an exceptional team of Access to HE officers: Susanne, Angela, Romario, and Amber, as well as John, who leads the Product Development of the diplomas.

In your view, what are the biggest challenges currently facing Access to HE providers, and how do you envision Skills and Education Group Access addressing these to ensure our qualifications remain responsive to the needs of both students and providers?

While there are significant challenges for our providers, the AVA remains committed to continued engagement with our stakeholders and HEIs to ensure that we, as an AVA, respond effectively to the growing challenges of delivery and assessment, including the impact of AI. 

How do you plan to collaborate with Access to HE providers to ensure the quality and relevance of the qualifications offered?

The continued focus is to work closely with providers and HEIs to continue to monitor the efficacy of our diplomas, both in terms of currency and breadth, to ensure the maximum number of routes to HE are maintained.  We are fortunate to have excellent relations with our providers and HEIs, some of whom are members of our Access to HE Committee. One of my key priorities is to develop the AVA’s reach to further engage HEIs across the UK and to encourage more HEI representation and senior provider staff to our Access to HE Committee.

What advice would you give to a provider considering adding Access to HE provision to their curriculum?

My advice is to think carefully about your curriculum’s demands, your students’ needs, and the expectations of the local labour market. The AVA will continue to offer all necessary support to help you achieve your aims successfully. Skills and Education Group Access is proud of our relationships with our customers, and our dedicated relationship managers are always available to provide guidance and support to ensure your curriculum delivers.

What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

Whilst I am not a fan of going to the gym, I do like to keep fit.  I have been a keen salsa dancer for many years, and an evening of salsa dancing is equivalent to doing a half marathon! I am also a keen gardener and love to cook.

At Skills and Education Group, we’re excited to have Keran leading our Access to HE provision, driving innovation and expanding opportunities for learners across the UK.