Background
The introduction of £3000 fees in 2006/7 brought with it a requirement from OFFA (Office for Fair Access) for universities to spend a proportion of additional fee income (AFI)) on financial support for students from widening participation backgrounds (bursaries) and widening participation activities.
The University’s approach to widening participation and fair access is detailed in the University’s Access Agreement and Widening Participation Strategic Assessment. Copies of both of these documents can be found here: www.sheffield.ac.uk/schools/university-staff/policies
Defining ‘Widening Participation’.
Widening participation is about removing barriers to those who are most able but least likely to progress to Higher Education. The main categories of students who fall under the banner are:
- Those from low socioeconomic groups (based on parental occupation and income)
- Those from Low Participation Neighbourhoods (areas where residents are least likely to participate in HE). Map here: www.hefce.ac.uk/whatwedo/wp/ourresearch/polar/mapofyoungparticipationareas
- Students from state schools (although the University of Sheffield has over average recruitment from state schools).
- Mature students
- Students with a disability
From a University perspective, it also covers any under-represented group such as female students in the physical sciences and engineering, and students from ethic minorities, where under-represented.
Faculty Funding
In 2012/13, a proportion of the University's AFI will be allocated to faculties for the development and delivery of widening participation activities. All faculties have targets to increase the numbers of WP students, and requirements to record and evaluate WP activities. As a faculty, we are mainly looking to work with young people from Low Participation Areas, low socioeconomic groups, and women in the physical sciences. Support is available from the University’s Outreach and Access Section to identify and target appropriate groups.