West London Lifelong Learning Network Progression Accord Signing

Date:Friday 14 December 2007

Time:12.30pm - 2.00pm

Venue: Ealing & West London College, W5 5EW

Supported by HEFCE
Senior colleagues from all of our academic partners were present to sign the West London Lifelong Learning Network’s Progression Accord certificate.

Each institution committed to increase the number of vocational learners entering Higher Education.

The West London Lifelong Learning Network’s Progression Accord aims to:

• Commit the signatories to joint working in order to make entry into Higher Education more of a reality for vocational learners in West London
• Create West London Progression Agreements relating to progression into and through Higher Education in the West London Lifelong Learning Network area
• Facilitate progression for all vocational learners with an interest in Higher Education, including those seeking opportunities for continued professional development.

Graeme Hall, Executive Director for the West London Lifelong Learning Network, said: “The West London Progression Accord is a major step towards providing new and sustainable pathways for vocational learners to enter Higher Education. All of the partners signing today are determined to provide a national lead in co-operation and collaboration to show what working together can achieve – West London really is leading the way in making Lifelong Learning more that just a slogan.”

Signatories

Mr Andrew Kershaw, Director of External Affairs, Brunel University

“Every year, Brunel welcomes a significant number of new students who have taken a non-traditional route into Higher Education. We recognise that they can face an additional hurdle to those who come straight from School with A Levels because of the large number of their possible qualifications. We welcome this initiative which will lead to increased knowledge of how these qualifications prepare students for Higher Education study and clarity on the part of applicants as to what opportunities their qualifications provide for them and where, in West London, they might be able to undertake their chosen degree programme.”

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Dr Steve Dowbiggin OBE, Chief Executive, Capel Manor College

“Capel Manor College is London’s specialist college for those interested in the design, maintenance and management of London’s green space and related activities. 66% of Greater London is green or open space or open water. We need flexible Higher Education provision in this area to help recognise and develop the skills and knowledge Londoners need to enable them to realise the potential of its most valuable resource.”

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Ms Vicki Fagg, Principal, College of North West London

“The signing of this Accord between West London colleges and universities represents a significant step forward in securing and improving access to university for larger numbers of our vocational learners at the College of North West London. It will directly contribute to helping meet the demand for employees with higher level skills fuelled by West London’s strong economic growth.”

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Ms Lynne Pearson, Director, Ealing, Hammersmith & West London College

“We are delighted to be working in partnership with universities and colleges in west London to raise the parity of esteem of vocational qualifications with the more traditional academic routes. By signing this agreement, we are enabling our vocational learners to progress seamlessly onto the Higher Education qualification of their choice, whilst at the same time responding to the Government’s agenda of widening participation, inclusion and lifelong learning.”

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Dr Barbara Field, Principal, Harrow College

“I am delighted to sign the West London Progression Accord on behalf of Harrow College. Hundreds of our students move on to Higher Education every year. Harrow College is, however, a major hub for vocational learners of all ages. This Progression Accord will offer them, in particular, new opportunities to progress to Higher Education and for career development.”

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Professor Martyn Jones, Pro Vice-Chancellor for External Affairs and Business Development, Kingston University

“Kingston University is delighted to be a signatory to this important accord. Higher Education is in a unique position to afford giving changing opportunities to vocational learners and this accord is one of the big vehicles through which these opportunities will be realised.”

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Professor Rob Kemp, Vice Principal (Academic Affairs), Royal Holloway, University of London

“We are committed at Royal Holloway to widening access and raising aspirations by welcoming and encouraging more applications from students with vocational qualifications. The WL LLN Progression Accord will assist us in these endeavours, help change expectations, and stimulate a greater recognition of the fact that vocational learning is not just an end in itself, but also a stepping stone to Higher Education.”

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Mr Patrick Harty, Principal, St Dominic’s Sixth Form College

“The importance of the WL LLN work for St Dominic’s is the prospect of implementing Progression Agreements for students following vocational courses. It is a powerful statement to assure students embarking on a course that success on a particular programme guarantees a place at a Higher Education Institution. As the College develops courses it is good to know that the WL LLN is there to support and broker these agreements.”

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Mr Archie Foulds, Vice Principal (Curriculum), Stanmore College

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Professor Peter John, Vice Chancellor, Thames Valley University

“At its heart the WL LLN is about making a difference to real people. And what is really striking about the work of the WL LLN is not that we give people in West London more opportunities; it is that through our work we are giving some people an opportunity who previously had none at all. Few things can be more important than this opening up of doors that in the past have been sealed so tightly shut.”

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Ms Laraine Smith, Principal, Uxbridge College

“Uxbridge College believes that the best way forward for Higher Education provision in Further Education relies on making collaboration really work. Signing the accord demonstrates commitment to a collaborative approach and Uxbridge College is signing up with enthusiasm. Learners will gain from west London colleges and universities working together to ensure a comprehensive and high quality Higher Education offer.”

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Ms Marjorie Semple, Vice Principal, West Thames College

“West Thames College is extremely proud to be involved in the West London Progression Accord. We are committed to providing more students, especially first-generation vocational learners, with the opportunity to benefit from Higher Education – this will create more employment opportunities and potential careers for our learners throughout the local community. The Accord is a fantastic way of ensuring that our college continues to achieve these aims.”

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Dr Myszka Guzkowska, Pro Vice Chancellor for External Relations, University of Westminster

“This Accord will benefit many different types and ages of learners but they are all linked by a desire to continue to learn new skills and gain further qualifications. Here at the University of Westminster, we have a traditional mission to promote educational, social and sporting opportunities for quality students from diverse academic, social and cultural backgrounds.”

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Ms Felicity Berry, Leader of Literacy and PEPs, William Morris Sixth Form College

“William Morris Sixth Form is proud to be part of the West London Lifelong Learning Network. Our signing of the Progression Accord is testimony to our commitment to working together to help non-conventional learners enter Higher Education.”

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Each certificate was countersigned by Mr Andrew Ward, Chair, West London Lifelong Learning Network Board.