Education authorities must do more to widen access to higher education, a local expert told a UK conference today.

Dr Damian O’Kane, Director of Access and Educational Partnerships at the University of Ulster, said funding councils and education departments needed to review their strategies, polices and funding mechanisms to ensure that such students not only participate in higher education but are also properly prepared for the world of work afterwards.

Dr O’Kane told the Reaching Wider National Conference in Wales: “Mechanisms need to be developed to encourage schools, further education and universities to not only encourage participation but to raise aspirations, academic performance and develop general and specific skills that will guarantee future success.”

He drew on lessons learned from the innovative Step-Up programme which he devised for the University’s Magee campus.

Step-Up is an interventionist science-based programme involving the University, with local schools and industry. The programme targets students on the basis of statistical indicators of economic and social disadvantage.

University academic staff and postgraduate students working with science teachers have helped to develop the programme which includes academic and vocational activities in the schools and the University, and experience in local industry.

To date, there have been more than 300 graduates from the programme which the University is seeking to roll out to other areas of Northern Ireland.

(MB/SP)