Access to HE in Action: What the UCAS Application Data Tells Us About Opportunity and Progression

Written by Vicky McClymont, Access to HE Development Manager at Open Awards

Each year, UCAS undergraduate application data offers valuable insight into who is progressing to higher education and how. For the Access to HE Diploma, the 2024 cycle reinforced what the sector already recognises: the Access to HE qualification continues to play a transformative role in widening participation, supporting adult learners, and opening doors to vital professions.

At a time when lifelong learning and flexible routes into higher education are more important than ever, the data highlights both the sustained impact and growing relevance of Access to HE.

Supporting Adult Learners to Succeed

In 2024, learners aged 30+ accounted for a quarter (25%) of those accepted to higher education with an Access to HE qualification, with those aged 35+ representing the largest single age group (25.87%). This is in stark contrast to other qualification types, where just 5.14% of acceptances fall within the same age bracket.

These figures underline the critical role the Access to HE Diploma plays in supporting learners to return to education later in life, often balancing study with work, family and other commitments. It is not just a second chance, it is a meaningful, supported pathway to progression.

A Strong Route for Young Adults Re-entering Education

The Access to HE Diploma is also supporting younger adult learners to take their next steps.

Learners aged 21–24 make up 25.72% of Access to HE acceptances to higher education, compared to just 9.69% of acceptances for other qualification types in the same age group.

This demonstrates how the Access to HE Diploma qualification bridges the gap for those who may have stepped away from education after school or college, offering a structured and supportive route back into learning and progression.

Increasing Acceptance Rates Reflect Strong Outcomes

While the overall number of applicants progressing with an Access to HE Diploma has slightly reduced to 13,100, the proportion of learners accepted has risen to 77.3%, up from 75.9% in 2023.

This increase reflects the strength and credibility of the qualification, as well as the preparedness of Access to HE learners for higher education. It is a clear indicator that universities continue to recognise the value of this pathway and the learners it supports.

Opening Doors to Competitive Courses

One of the most encouraging trends in the 2024 data is the increased progression of Access to HE learners into competitive subject areas.

Across all qualifications, there has been growth in adult learner acceptances in key sectors:

• Subjects allied to medicine: +440 adult learner acceptances
• Engineering and Technology: +720
• Computing: +945

A Key Contributor to Healthcare Pathways

The importance of the Access to HE Diploma qualification is particularly evident in healthcare progression routes.

Although overall applications to nursing have declined slightly (46,915 in 2024 compared to 48,625 in 2023), adult learners now make up nearly 75% of accepted applicants. In total, 19,365 adult learners were accepted to study nursing out of 26,500 acceptances.

This highlights the essential role of Access to HE in supporting progression into healthcare careers, particularly at a time when workforce challenges across the sector remain a national priority.

Demonstrating Impact Across Open Awards Providers

For Open Awards’ Access to HE providers, the 2024 cycle also shows positive growth in acceptances to competitive subject areas, reflecting the quality and impact of delivery across centres.

Increases were seen in:

• Subjects Allied to Medicine (+25)
• Engineering and Technology (+5)
• Social Sciences (+35)

These outcomes reinforce the strength of provider networks in supporting learner progression and responding to learner demand in key subject areas.

Looking Ahead

The 2024 UCAS data reinforces a clear message: the Access to HE Diploma continues to be one of the most effective routes for widening participation in higher education.

Whether supporting learners returning to study later in life, enabling progression into high-demand sectors, or helping individuals realise long-held ambitions, the Access to HE Diploma remains central to a more inclusive and responsive education system.

As we look ahead, the challenge and opportunity is to continue building awareness, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring that even more learners can benefit from this vital pathway.