Circular letter CL 09/04

Number	CL09/04
Subject	*Learning from AVA review 1999-2004*
Publication date	July 2004
Recipients	Heads of higher education institutions, and heads of further education institutions
Of interest to	Widening participation staff/individuals with institutional responsibilities for Access to HE
Further information	Kath Dentith – access@qaa.ac.uk
Attachments	*Learning from AVA review 1999-2004*

Dear Colleague

Learning from AVA review 1999-2004

I have pleasure in enclosing Learning from AVA review 1999-2004. This presents the main outcomes of the programme of reviews of authorised validating agencies (AVAs) for Access to HE courses, which was completed at the beginning of this year as part of the Agency’s Access Recognition Scheme.

The first section deals with what we have learnt about the AVAs themselves: the good practice demonstrated, as well as the areas in which AVAs might develop their work. The second section evaluates the review method itself and considers options for the development of the process. In both sections, there are resonances with the Access to Higher Education Development Project report, forwarded to you last month, indicating that Learning from AVA review might provide a useful additional reference point in the further development of AVAs and Access to HE as a whole.

Learning from AVA review 1999-2004 also provides a brief overview of the development of the Access Recognition Scheme, and the Agency’s involvement in this area of provision, from the inception of the national scheme in 1989 to the present day. Its longevity indicates the strength of this well-established scheme in adapting to change and providing a flexible framework through which FE and HE have worked, and continue to work, together effectively to maintain this unique progression route.

Yours sincerely

Peter Williams

Chief Executive