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Framework for Student Access, Retention, Attainment and Progression

These four interconnected elements define the foundations for student success. They each depend on fostering a sense of belonging and actively engaging students with their programme and the wider institution, enabling students to thrive throughout their higher education. 

Access:
Ensuring everyone who could benefit from higher education can do so. 

Attainment: 
Recognising and validating the achievements of students.

Retention: 
Supporting all students to successfully complete their chosen program.  

Progression: 
Supporting students as they move on to further study or employment. 

The framework is designed for all staff with a remit to support students to achieve their potential. Consideration of the impact of policies, practices and support services from the student perspective, institution-wide collaboration and the engagement of students as partners are key to student success.

The framework is part of the Essential Frameworks for Enhancing Student Success series.

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Has your institution identified student access, retention, attainment and progression as a priority?

Our expertise and globally recognised standards and frameworks help higher education organisations transform teaching by developing and recognising teaching excellence. We work with you – understanding your context – to enhance student engagement through partnership by sharing insight and evidenced-based practice to deliver student success.  

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Advance HE approach to enhancing student success
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Upcoming events 

Teaching and Learning Conference 2024

2 – 4 July 2024, Nottingham, UK

Our flagship conference attracting HE practitioners involved in all aspects of HE teaching and learning from the UK and overseas.
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Related resources

Access, retention, attainment and progression: a review of the literature 2016-2021

This literature review aims to highlight evidence-based policy or practice that has had a demonstrable impact on student outcomes, including impact on progression, engagement, satisfaction, skill acquisition and/or self-confidence and student degree classification. 
 

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ARAP Literature Review Front Cover

Student Success: Access, retention, attainment and progression

This project aims to support members in adopting practical, evidence-based approaches that enhance the access, retention, attainment and progression of students, aligned with the Advance HE framework in this area. 
 

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Meet the project leads

Dr Kay Hack (PFHEA)

Lead Consultant (Education)
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Advance HE
Dr Kay Hack
Kay's role includes developing, managing and promoting excellence in teaching and learning, both generally and within STEM disciplines.

Stuart Norton, PFHEA

Senior Consultant, Education
,
Advance HE
Stuart Norton
Stuart has over 18 years’ experience within higher education with extensive experience in designing and developing strategic, institutional-wide change. In his role as Senior Consultant, Education at Advance HE, he focuses on both thought leadership and providing evidence-based solutions to support institutions, educators and students.
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