01 August 2026
Scotland's widening access sector urges government to broaden approach
The Scottish Community of Access and Participation Practitioners (SCAPP) and the Carnegie Education Fund have written an open letter to Scotland's Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, Ben Macpherson, calling for a renewed approach to fair access across Scotland's tertiary education system.
While acknowledging significant progress in widening access over the past decade, the organisations argue that future policy should move beyond measuring university entry and place greater emphasis on participation, retention, progression and positive graduate outcomes.
The recommendations, informed by more than 100 practitioners from colleges, universities, public bodies and the third sector, call for a whole-system approach that recognises colleges, articulation routes, part-time study and flexible learning as equally important pathways. They also recommend replacing the heavy reliance on SIMD20 (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) with broader measures of individual disadvantage, including disability, rurality, care experience, estrangement and caring responsibilities. In addition, the sector has proposed introducing a Unique Learner Number to improve tracking of learner journeys and long-term employment outcomes.
For career development professionals, one of the strongest messages is the importance of early intervention. The letter highlights that aspirations, confidence and career choices are shaped well before young people apply to higher education and calls for stronger investment in careers advice alongside schools, families and community organisations. It also stresses the need for sustainable funding that embeds fairness throughout the tertiary education system and greater investment in the professional development and wellbeing of widening participation practitioners.
The proposals closely align with the career development profession's commitment to supporting lifelong learning, social mobility and equitable career opportunities. As Scotland continues its post-school education and skills reform programme, careers practitioners will play a central role in helping learners navigate multiple education pathways, overcome barriers and progress into meaningful employment and further learning.
Read more on the SCAPP website.
While acknowledging significant progress in widening access over the past decade, the organisations argue that future policy should move beyond measuring university entry and place greater emphasis on participation, retention, progression and positive graduate outcomes.
The recommendations, informed by more than 100 practitioners from colleges, universities, public bodies and the third sector, call for a whole-system approach that recognises colleges, articulation routes, part-time study and flexible learning as equally important pathways. They also recommend replacing the heavy reliance on SIMD20 (Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation) with broader measures of individual disadvantage, including disability, rurality, care experience, estrangement and caring responsibilities. In addition, the sector has proposed introducing a Unique Learner Number to improve tracking of learner journeys and long-term employment outcomes.
For career development professionals, one of the strongest messages is the importance of early intervention. The letter highlights that aspirations, confidence and career choices are shaped well before young people apply to higher education and calls for stronger investment in careers advice alongside schools, families and community organisations. It also stresses the need for sustainable funding that embeds fairness throughout the tertiary education system and greater investment in the professional development and wellbeing of widening participation practitioners.
The proposals closely align with the career development profession's commitment to supporting lifelong learning, social mobility and equitable career opportunities. As Scotland continues its post-school education and skills reform programme, careers practitioners will play a central role in helping learners navigate multiple education pathways, overcome barriers and progress into meaningful employment and further learning.
Read more on the SCAPP website.
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