All Welsh universities work hard to attract applicants from groups which are under-represented in higher education. They seek to raise aspirations and increase awareness of higher education through summer schools, campus visits and taster-days, masterclasses, providing student mentors in schools and colleges and hosting study and revision days. Many universities also offer targeted advice and guidance to make progression to higher education possible for students who might otherwise miss out.

However, research shows that students in Wales with the right grades at A level to gain access to university actually go on to study at a higher level regardless of their background or social class. Universities work hard to support schools and colleges to raise attainment, by providing support to teachers and pupils, enriching the curriculum and providing access to specialist facilities.

Reaching Wider Initiative

HEFCW established the Reaching Wider initiative in partnership with higher education institutions in Wales  in 2002 to break down perceived barriers and widen access to learning and skills.  The Wales-wide initiative was designed to support social inclusion and economic up-skilling.

Four regional Reaching Wider Partnerships have been established to co-ordinate activities in North Wales, West and Mid Wales, South West Wales and South East Wales, to ensure that local expertise and networks are used to provide relevant learning opportunities for local people.

Reaching Wider aims to encourage participation in higher education from targeted groups and communities in Wales by raising aspirations and skills, creating new study opportunities and learning pathways to higher education.  

For further information on the national Reaching Wider initiative can be found on the HEFCW website.