As global higher education institutions grapple with unprecedented pressures from changing student needs, diverse demographics, developing government regulations and significant constraints and uncertain financial futures, it’s never been more important to focus on the student journey and success.
Access, retention, attainment and progression are integral to student success in higher education. They each depend on fostering a sense of belonging and actively engaging students and the wider institution, enabling students to thrive throughout their studies.
Our holistic approach not only focuses on academic success but also on students' overall wellbeing and personal development.
- Access:
Ensuring everyone who could benefit from higher education does. - Retention:
Supporting all students to successfully complete their chosen programme. - Attainment:
Recognising and validating the achievements of students. - Progression:
Supporting students as they move on to further study or employment.
We can help you:
- Identify Gaps: Pinpoint areas where issues impact retention or attainment and student success.
- Design Interventions: Implement evidence-based strategies to enhance progression and mitigate dropout risks.
- Measure Impact: Use metrics to evaluate the success of initiatives, fostering continuous improvement.
Framework for Student Access, Retention, Attainment and Progression
Access, retention, attainment and progression are the responsibility of senior leaders, academic and professional services staff and students. The framework is therefore designed for all staff with a remit to support students to achieve their potential. Consideration of the impact of policies, practices and support services from the student perspective, institution-wide collaboration and the engagement of students as partners are key to student success.
Explore our latest reports and publications on student access, retention, attainment and progression
Securing Student Outcomes - Showcasing institutional impact
This resource, which forms part of Advance HE's member benefit strand of Securing Student Outcomes, showcases 11 innovations which have had an institutional impact on student access, retention, attainment, progression or graduate outcomes.
Webinar: Using the Framework for Student Access, Retention, Attainment and Progression
On 23 October 2024, we heard from panellists who are having an impact on student access, retention, attainment and progression and we provided practical advice and guidance to using the framework to support student success at your institution.
Access, retention, attainment and progression: a review of the literature 2016-2021
This literature review aims to highlight evidence-based policy or practice that has had a demonstrable impact on student outcomes, including impact on progression, engagement, satisfaction, skill acquisition and/or self-confidence and student degree classification.
This game aims to support users to understand the stages of a Theory of Change, build confidence, explore evaluative questions, and extend learning through application to their own context. The goal is better intervention design and evaluation, which in turn should lead to better student outcomes.
This report focuses in on practice from a host of institutions internationally, drawing on peer-reviewed and grey literature to highlight some key examples, in areas such as community and civic engagement, support for family and caring responsibilities and extracurricular engagement, volunteering and paid work.
Building Blocks for Pedagogic Innovation
Case study from the University of Suffolk on the creation of their compassionate 'Block and Blend' pedagogy, designed to enhance student experience, retention and success, while reigniting conversations about curriculum design.
The Student Needs Framework provides a foundation for considering the redesign of student support services across higher education providers. The project also includes case studies to illustrate how the framework is being used.
Access more resources in our Knowledge Hub
Latest blogs
Professional Development Opportunities
Our portfolio will help you build or refresh your pedagogy throughout your career. Below you will find our upcoming development opportunities linked to student access, retention, attainment and progression:
Employability Symposium 2026
10 March 2026
Virtual
Inclusive Pedagogy Symposium 2026
10 June 2025
Virtual
Teaching and Learning Conference 2026
30 June – 2 July 2025
Sheffield, UK
Meet our experts
Hear from some of our partner institutions
Attending the Advance HE ChangeBusters workshop on Theory of Change was a game-changer. The workshop is academically robust and accessible, breaking down complex concepts into easy-to-use steps. Many of us experienced that 'lightbulb moment' after years of trying to grasp what Theory of Change is and how to apply it effectively.... and we now have the tools to run the workshop for other colleagues. I'd recommend this for anyone looking to apply Theory of Change for the benefit of students.”Open University participant on Advance HE ChangeBusters workshop
Learning about key theories in learning and teaching, gathering a toolbox of techniques to take into my teaching, developing a better understanding of the expectations of the HE fellowship and starting to develop my own application were invaluable learning points for me."Macquarie University participant on an Advance HE Certificate in Learning and Teaching in HE
The standard of the seminars was impressive and the content conveyed provided invaluable insights. It was also really nice to be able to have the perspectives from many academics from other institutions via remote participation and to learn how they have confronted and overcome the challenges faced by HE today."Liverpool John Moores University participant on a series of four workshops aimed at enhancing student engagement, experience and outcomes.
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