Cracks in our foundations: Evaluating foundation years as a tool for access and success

Short, preparatory ‘foundation year’ courses have exploded in popularity in recent years, but they have drawn criticism from policymakers. Like Access diplomas, they serve to support people from all backgrounds to enter higher education.

This HEPI Report asks whether foundation years are effective tools for widening access – or whether, when it comes to value and quality, cracks are beginning to form.