After inspiring learning around the world and teaching over 1.6 million students since it was founded by Harold Wilson in 1969, The Open University has received a new accolade – being described in the 2011 Sunday Times University Guide as the “granddaddy” of widening participation into education.

When I read this I felt so proud. Not because it was an affirmation of what we are renowned for, or because it strengthened our leadership role in the sector, but because it encapsulates every one of the student journeys which inspire me every day.

It reminds me of visiting our centres across the UK, and meeting students with disabilities who tell me that they could not have dreamed of studying a degree without the tailored support and award-winning equipment offered by The Open University. This support has led to over 12,000 students with registered disabilities studying with us today.

It reminds me of shaking hands with students at degree ceremonies who had been told that higher education simply wasn’t for them. But after beginning their study on a dedicated OU access or taster programme, they felt embraced to continue, focus and succeed. This engagement has led to over 18,000 students learning through our Openings programmes today.

And it reminds me of the students who email me from some of the most deprived communities in the country who were engaged through dedicated outreach with local authorities, charities and other agencies. This endeavour has led to over 20% of our current students coming from the 25% most disadvantaged communities in the country (as measured by the Government’s National Index of Social Deprivation).
 
As Ed Miliband highlighted in his speech on social mobility. ‘Social mobility is measuring the chances that from one generation to the next, children have a chance of rising from the place where they are, and the parents they are born to, to a higher level of income or a higher education level. In his constituency, the number of people going into higher education is about one-third of the level of the national average – and this is not because they have less talent or less intelligence, it is because in a whole range of ways they do not have the opportunities to make the most of themselves.’

This engages with the very reason The OU was established ‘to open up higher education to all, regardless of their circumstances or where they live. We are committed to promoting equal opportunities for all and we monitor ourselves to make sure we live up to our ideals.

Our work in widening participation is not unique to The Open University. Countless providers across the country do magnificent work to widen access. However, in an environment where the costs for graduates will rise, we must do all we can to protect participation amongst the poorest groups in society.

That is why we – along with leading think tanks, charities and other universities – are so concerned about the potential cut of £368m that the sector receives for targeted widening participation activities. Given the cuts announced by Government to the sector, this remains particularly vulnerable after 2012 and would have a significant impact on delivery of social justice. To ensure that our nation can look forward to a future of enhanced social mobility, the widening participation allocation must be retained.

We welcome Labour’s commitment to the funding. But in the new parliamentary session, a renewed and redoubled political commitment will be vital. We look forward to receiving your support.

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Open to all: Is part-time learning the best way to deliver Labour’s ambition to widen participation? is taking place at Labour party conference on 27 September 2011 at 8am at Vinea, Britannia Pavilion, with Gareth Thomas MP, Martin Bean, The Open University, and chaired by Ann Mroz, THE

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Photo: Douglas Kelley