Access to HE is often rightly recognised for the opportunities it creates for students, but behind those outcomes sits an extraordinary level of professional dedication. The Forum brought that into sharp focus. Throughout the day, there was a clear sense of a sector defined by care, expertise and serious commitment: colleagues willing to reflect critically, engage openly and contribute thoughtfully to the ongoing development of practice.

What stood out in particular was the professionalism shown at every level. The dedication and competence of the Skills and Education Group Access team were central to the day, not simply in organising the event, but in shaping a space that felt purposeful, relevant and genuinely collaborative. The quality of the discussions, the smooth running of the programme and the tone of the event all reflected a team deeply committed to supporting the sector well.

The same was true of those who contributed more formally across the day. Our facilitators brought insight, energy and experience to their sessions, helping to create workshops that were both practical and thought-provoking. Our higher education panellists offered valuable perspectives on progression, student preparedness and the place of Access to HE within the wider higher education landscape. Their contributions added real depth to the day and reinforced the importance of maintaining strong dialogue between Access providers and higher education partners.

Equally important was the spirit in the room. The engagement from those attending was a real strength of the event. Colleagues participated with generosity, honesty and a clear willingness to share practice, test ideas and contribute to professional dialogue. That kind of engagement cannot be taken for granted. It reflects a sector that cares deeply about getting this right — for students, for providers and for the credibility of the qualification itself.

One of the most valuable aspects of this year’s Forum was the insight shared by QAA. Their contribution helped to place our discussions within the broader national picture and served as an important reminder of the significance of Access to HE within the higher education landscape. Access to HE is not simply an alternative route: it is a respected and established qualification with a vital role to play in widening participation, enabling progression and supporting educational opportunity. Hearing that reflected at sector level mattered.

It also reinforced something fundamental: Access to HE is built on trust. Trust in standards, trust in quality assurance, trust in providers and AVAs, and trust in the professional judgement of those who design, deliver and assess these programmes. That trust is maintained not only through formal processes, but through the kind of collective reflection and professional dialogue that events like this make possible.

The discussions across the day reflected both the complexity and the importance of the work ahead. From assessment practice, grading standards and contextualisation to progression, student support, digital delivery and emerging challenges such as AI, the conversations were grounded, practical and forward-looking. They demonstrated a sector that is not standing still, but continuing to think carefully about how best to serve students while protecting the rigour and value of the Diploma.

For Skills and Education Group Access, the Forum reflected something central to our place in the sector. Our role is, of course, to maintain standards, assure quality and meet our regulatory responsibilities, but it is also to provide leadership, stewardship and support. We see our place as helping to support and convene the conversations that matter: bringing colleagues together, supporting strong practice and maintaining confidence in Access to HE as a qualification of real value and credibility.

That leadership is not exercised at a distance. It is rooted in partnership — in listening to providers, engaging with higher education, drawing on the expertise of moderators and facilitators, and creating opportunities for the sector to reflect collectively on both challenges and opportunities. The Practitioner Forum is one expression of that commitment. It reflects our belief that sector leadership means more than oversight; it means creating the conditions in which professional dialogue, improvement and shared purpose can flourish.

It is also important to acknowledge the contribution of Northern College, whose wonderful surroundings provided an ideal setting for the event. The environment itself helped create the right atmosphere for thoughtful discussion and reflection, and the support of the Northern College staff was greatly appreciated throughout the day. Their contribution played an important part in making the Forum such a positive experience for everyone involved.

Reflecting on the event, I am left with a strong sense of pride — in the Access to HE sector, in the professionalism and dedication of all those who contributed, and in the spirit of engagement that shaped the day. The Forum was not simply a successful event in logistical terms. It was a strong expression of what this sector does at its best: bringing together committed professionals to uphold standards, share expertise, support progression and keep students at the centre of the work.

Access to HE matters enormously. It matters to students seeking a second chance or a fresh start. It matters to providers committed to widening participation. It matters to higher education institutions and to the communities these students go on to serve. Forums such as this matter because they help ensure that the qualification remains not only trusted and robust, but also responsive, connected and forward-looking.