Aim 1: all learners in the further education system are equally able to access high quality education and training that equips them with the skills, knowledge and qualifications they need for work and personal fulfilment.
Evidence shows that there is a significant variation in success rates between learners from different backgrounds; for instance, the success rate for Black Caribbean males in 2004/05 was 63%, compared to the overall success rates of 74%. Success rates for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities (LLDD) show no significant differences, but current trends indicate that the number of learners with LLDD in the sector is likely to increase.
Inspection also shows that too many learners fail to complete key skills qualifications, and teaching for 16-19 year-olds in construction, engineering and foundation provision often either fails to motivate learners or does not meet their individual needs.
The Improvement Strategy aims to address these gaps so that all learners achieve their ambitions.
The objectives to support Aim 1 are that:
1.1 All learners are able to access effective information, advice, guidance and pastoral support so that they are directed to the right programme and complete it successfully
1.2 Colleges and providers, supported by the national partners, ensure that teaching, training and learning are excellent and tailored to learners' individual needs
1.3 Learners are actively engaged in the learning process, and the feedback they give on their learning or training experience allows teaching and learning to be tailored to meet their needs
1.4 Success rates across the system become equally outstanding for learners from different backgrounds
The detailed implementation plan for how these objectives will be achieved is set out here.
The achievement of this aim will mean that success rates improve year on year so that fewer learners are let down by the system.
The indicators that will be used to measure how well these objectives are contributing to this aim are set out here.