Creating a level playing field

Photo: University of Glasgow

The findings of a review of the National Schools Programme have been published today as part of an assessment of the programme’s operation and impact.

Set up in 2021, the National Schools Programme brings together existing SFC-funded initiatives into a unified, national scheme to support fairer access to university for economically disadvantaged learners. Pupils eligible for the programme take part in visits to university campuses, attend special skills development courses and receive additional levels of advice, guidance and support. It currently supports over 50,000 pupils across Scotland each year.

The findings confirm the National School Programme is important in creating fair access to university but suggests more could be done to demonstrate its impact. The report makes 15 recommendations including setting up a system to better monitor and evaluate the programme. It also identifies areas for further development, including harmonising conditions for eligibility and identifying a minimum standard offer to all eligible pupils.

Martin Boyle, Interim Chief Executive of the Scottish Funding Council, said:

“The National Schools Programme plays a valuable part in efforts to create a level playing field for people to benefit from a university education. From an economic perspective, it helps ensure that talent and ability is supported and encouraged across the whole of society.

 

“This review is therefore an important piece of work and the recommendations coming out of it will ensure it will evolve into an even stronger and more effective programme for the future”.

Following today’s publication of the review report, work will begin to implement its recommendations through a new strategic advisory group and collaborative taskforces.

The National Schools Programme Review Final Report and Recommendations is now available.