Aimhigher: Partnerships for Progression (Aimhigher: P4P) is a joint initiative by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) and the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) which will address the Government's targets to widen and increase participation in higher education.
In January 2003 the White Paper 'The future of Higher Education' included a commitment to bring Partnerships for Progression and Excellence Challenge together to deliver a coherent national outreach programme called Aimhigher. Existing commitments under the two initiatives are guaranteed, and an additional £18 million will be available to Aimhigher Partnerships for Progression.
Aimhigher builds upon the extensive regional and local partnerships which already exist between higher and further education (HE and FE). It operates in nine regions covering the whole of England and encompasses the following broad strands of activity:
- supporting and extending partnerships between HE and FE, with dedicated staff to work with schools and FE and training providers
- regionally co-ordinated activities including summer school, mentoring and shadowing for various age groups of school and FE students, across different progression routes
- a national programme of research, evaluation and dissemination.
Aimhigher is supported nationally by the Widening Participation co-ordination team Action on Access.
The significant development will have considerable implications. Meaningful merger will include joint plans, management structures, evaluation, and joint funding.
