Access and Participation Statement 2016-17
Lifelong learning and providing progression for the whole community is central to the vision of the Further Education sector. Darlington College’s commitment to widening access and participation is embedded within the College Strategic Plan 2016-17, to be at the heart of our community, and the aim of shaping the curriculum to provide programmes that promote greater engagement with ‘hard to reach’ learners and provide progression to higher level courses. This is supported through open events, community events and careers marketplace events and activities to encourage fair access, retention and performance.
Darlington’s population:
- 3.8% of the population are non-white British
- Other White is the largest ethnic minority group in the community
- A comparatively large community of Gypsy/Roma inhabitants
- Decreasing numbers of looked after children
- Number of adults with learning disabilities has remained static over the last few years
The college’s wider catchment area includes North Yorkshire and South West Durham:
- Recruitment from 33 secondary schools across three Local Authorities
- Currently liaise with nine primary schools
- Apprentices and part-time HE students are recruited from employers of all sizes from Darlington, North Yorkshire and South West Durham.
The college has an Equality and Diversity Committee which reviews all progression, retention and achievement data to help to plan in Equality and Diversity Improvement Measures (EDIM’s), which will aim to ensure equality of experience and outcomes to all students and to ensure widened participation, access and also achievement in the college.