00:00 – Welcome & Context
Overview of the session and its purpose: shining a light on Access to HE and Foundation Year routes.

01:56 – What is Access to HE? (James Bairstow)
Intro to Access to HE courses: eligibility (19+), structure, purpose.

03:30 – Entry Requirements & Eligibility
James explains required qualifications, including GCSEs and functional skills acceptance.

05:48 – Recruitment & Target Learners
Who Access courses are for, how they’re promoted, and typical learner profiles.

07:34 – Funding Access Courses
How Advanced Learner Loans work and recent updates.

08:44 – Subjects Offered & Local Collaboration
Overview of subject pathways and university collaboration for course design.

09:47 – New Blended Learning Delivery
Introduction of a hybrid model for flexibility and accessibility.

10:54 – Access for 18-Year-Olds: Specialist Route
Details on the “Access to University” course for younger learners, including structure and purpose.

13:54 – Clarification on UCAS Points & Structure
Clarifies Access UCAS points and grading structure.

15:21 – Addressing Age Restrictions & Legal Considerations
Discussion on age-based eligibility and funding rationale.

17:36 – What is a Foundation Year? (John Lees)
Intro to Foundation Years: structure, purpose, and who they benefit.

19:44 – Foundation Years: National Context & Misconceptions
Raising awareness of foundation options across institutions.

21:15 – Who Are Foundation Years For?
Learner profiles: low predicted grades, subject mismatches, mature students.

23:34 – Gradual Entry & Student Support
Benefits of foundation years as a supportive, transitional step.

25:36 – Entry Requirements & Application Process
Typical foundation year entry requirements, UCAS process, integrated degrees.

27:07 – Widening Participation & Additional Criteria
How foundation years support underrepresented learners and may have extra criteria.

28:56 – Subject Pathways & International Foundation Year
Types of degrees foundation years lead into, including medical and STEM routes.

30:28 – Foundation Year Benefits Recap
Support, integration into university life, and key advantages.

32:33 – Finance & Policy Updates
Impact on student finance and upcoming fee structure changes (from 2025).

34:24 – Key Info for Advisors
UCAS year zero, GCSE needs, and importance of research.

35:42 – Learner Voice: Foundation Year Blog
Real student perspective from the University of Leeds blog.

38:51 – Student Success Stories (Caroline Priestley)
Three inspiring learner journeys into HE through Access and Foundation routes.

47:48 – GHWY Tools & CPD Resources (Jenny)
Signposting to provider matrix, webinars, and upcoming conference.

51:10 – CPD Impact & Thank You
Summary of GHWY CPD achievements and call for 2025/26 feedback.