On Wednesday 24th November, Access to Higher Education (HE) students from ACL had the opportunity to visit the University of Essex in Colchester. The day aimed to give learners an insight into studying at Higher Education. The leaners took part in a campus tour, heard from current students about life at university, took part in a workshop in how to write a personal statement and had a session delivered by a current PhD student on academic writing skills.

Not only with this day provide an insight for learners on their progression to higher education, but they also developed skills that will help them on their current programme of study. At ACL Essex, we know how important it is that learners get appropriate information, advice, and guidance for their progression into further education or employment. This partnership with the University of Essex has ensured that learners were given up to date and relevant information that will help them in their application to university. We would like to thank the outreach team at the University of Essex for planning this bespoke day for our learners
Applying to universities can be a complex and time-consuming task, with the support from ACL Tutors and university staff learners have received the support that they need to make their applications to university. Many Access to HE learners have already made their applications to universities and apprenticeships to start in October 2022 and are starting to receive offers for university places.
One learner told us: ‘the advice I have received today will help me to make my university application and I am looking forward to working with my tutor to improve my application with what I have learned today’. Learners on Access to Higher Education in Essex ACL receive continuous support throughout their course to enable their progression to Higher Education.
The access to higher education course is open to all adults aged 19+, who have achieved or are due to achieve a level 2 qualification in English and Maths. (GCSE A*-C/4-9 or Functional Skills Level 2). Our learners come from a diverse range of backgrounds but are all united by a keen interest in the subjects they study and a determination to succeed. If you would like to find out more for you or someone you know, visit https://aclessex.com/access-to-he/ to book a place on a pre-assessment session.