14-19 Progression to HE Forum

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Background

Aimhigher Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Lifelong Learning Network (GMSA) convene regular meetings of a 14-19 progression to higher education forum which has been meeting since April 2007.

The forum has representatives of all ten local authorities and the seven local higher education institutes plus the Learning and Skills Council, Connexions and a representative of higher education in further education providers in Greater Manchester.

The primary focus of the forum has been upon the level three Advanced Diploma and in particular upon the facilitation of clear progression pathways for learners following these routes.

Membership

Abdul Hamid - University of Manchester

Alan Clegg - Bury MBC

Alyson Keogh - Salford City Council

Cath Walsh - Director, GMSA

Clare Hallows - University of Salford

Elaine Heeler - School Improvement Service

Clive Gee - Manchester City Council

Debbie Bridge - University Centre Oldham

Jacqui Dale - Royal Northern College of Music

James Taylor - Wigan LEA

Jane Rogers - Salford City Council

Jo Wiggans - Aimhigher Greater Manchester

John Sanders - Aimhigher Greater Manchester

John Symington - Tameside MBC

Laura Carruthers - University of Bolton

Louise Higham - Aimhigher Greater Manchester

Louise Rees -  Cheadle Hulme High School

Janie Beester - Stockport MBC

Julian Skyrme - University of Manchester

Kim Shaw - Aimhigher Oldham

Kirsty O'Shaughnessy - Wigan MBC

Liz Marr - Manchester Metropolitan University

Marek Baranski - Aimhigher Rochdale

Nikki Powell - Bolton Council

Rick Crowshaw - GMSA

Robbie Baldwin - Rochdale Council

Robin Goddard - DCSF

Ruth Bradbury - University of Salford

Tony Rigler - Bolton Council

Terms of reference

The forum brings together representatives from higher education institutions and local consortia responsible for implementing the 14-19 reforms in Greater Manchester to provide a focus for the discussion and resolution of issues related to progression to higher education from the new diplomas. The forum, through its membership, will draw expertise from and feed into other networks in Greater Manchester and in the ten local authority districts, including GMSA and Aimhigher partnerships and area and district 14-19 groups. 

The forum will be facilitated jointly by Aimhigher Greater Manchester and the Greater Manchester Strategic Alliance (GMSA). 

The forum will meet four times a year in order to:

• Identify issues arising from the 14-19 reforms in relation to progression to higher education

• Advise on how these issues might be addressed through existing Aimhigher and GMSA networks, or through new forum-initiated activities

• Plan, seek resources for and commission activities to tackle identified issues or barriers to progression for diploma students

• Develop a sequence of practical actions to enhance progression pathways for the pilot diplomas and their students

• Monitor the emerging progression to higher education issues arising from the implementation of the reforms and evaluate the effectiveness of Greater Manchester responses to these

• Collate evidence from the forum discussions and activities in order to inform national and regional debates about progression to higher education from the new diplomas