Birkbeck’s commitment to opening doors to education recognised
UK watchdog OFFA once again approves the College’s fair access agreement
Birkbeck’s mission-driven commitment to widening access to higher education for students from disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds has been recognised by the Office for Fair Access (OFFA).
The fair access watchdog for universities in England has approved an access agreement with Birkbeck, as outlined in today’s publication of OFFA’s 2017-18 annual report.
In a statement accompanying the report’s release, Professor Les Ebdon, director of Fair Access to Higher Education, said he was pleased to see universities and colleges “rising to the challenge”.
He said: “Fair access is not just about getting in, it is also about getting on. As well as breaking down barriers so that talented people from disadvantaged backgrounds can get into higher education, all students need appropriate support so that they are able to achieve to their highest potential and go on to a good job or further study.”
Among the reasons for Birkbeck’s approval and recognition are its commitment to part-time education, plus innovative outreach and student progression programmes – such as its Building Bridges to Birkbeck initiative in Tottenham, the Work Readiness programme, plus the professional recruitment service, Birkbeck Talent. The latter recently celebrated a successful pilot year, with 444 students attending interviews and assessment centres, and a further 167 being placed in jobs or paid internships.
Jonah Duffin, Director of External Relations at Birkbeck, said: “We are pleased to have once again received this recognition from OFFA. At Birkbeck, we remain firmly committed to ensuring access to students from disadvantaged and non-traditional backgrounds, and enabling them to work during the day and build on their futures while studying at night.”
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