Evaluation of the Aimhigher Programme, HEFCE
We have undertaken a large scale evaluation study as part of the Higher Education Funding Council for England’s (HEFCE) Aimhigher Evidence Programme for the Aimhigher programme. The study examined the impact that a sample of Aimhigher partnerships are having on the progression into higher education of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds and/or those who might not naturally consider higher education as an option, particularly those who have embarked on a vocational education route.
The research examined the effectiveness of different Aimhigher interventions as well as the organisational structure and strategic approach adopted by each of the partnerships. Partnerships have a high level of autonomy over how they operate, often a result of the pre-existing widening participation landscape, the variation in the socio economic profiles across each area, and the target groups and priorities each area has. Their mode of operation and the impact this had on the strategic approach adopted and the way different types of activities were delivered was therefore examined. The report highlights that different types of activities and approaches are more suited to differing partnership areas, providing guidance on effective delivery mechanisms for partnerships in a range of operational contexts.
A number of recommendations regarding the successful delivery of activities in terms of their targeting, sequencing and integration within the curriculum were also provided that are of more general applicability across each partnership.
As part of the research a number of research tools were produced and made available on the practitioner website to help partnerships undertake their own self evaluation activity. EKOS also provided a facilitated workshop on programme effectiveness for the Action on Access practitioner’s conference.
Sheffield