Retention and success

‘Retention’ in the UK refers to students remaining within one HE institution and completing their programme of study within a specific timeframe. ‘Success’ recognises that students benefit from HE study in a wider range of ways, including personal development and progression into the labour market or further learning.

We work with institutions and other bodies to develop evidence-informed approaches to improving the retention and success of all students. We have a programme of work to disseminate research and support institutional development.

We have undertaken and commissioned a number of research studies, literature reviews and research syntheses relating to improving student retention. The research suggests that factors contributing to improving student retention and success are:

  • Pre-entry information, advice and guidance to inform HE choices;
  • Pre-entry preparation, including developing realistic expectations and skills;
  • Induction and transition support;
  • Inclusive curriculum design, learning, teaching and assessment;
  • Social engagement with peers and HE staff;
  • Integrated or aligned academic development;
  • A range of student services;
  • Monitoring and use of data.

We are working in partnership with Action on Access to provide support and co-ordination for the ‘What works? Student Retention and Success Programme' which is funded by HEFCE and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. The primary purpose of the programme is to generate robust, evidence-based analysis and evaluation about the most effective strategies to ensure high continuation and completion rates.  It involves seven projects and 22 HEIs, who are generating evidence about strategies and interventions to improve student retention and success. 

This work suggests that student engagement lies at the heart of retention and success and therefore offers institutions the answer to their improvement.  Essentially institutions need to attend to not just the number and range of interventions or services they provide, but the quality and extent of the students’ interactions with those as well as the institution more broadly.  Successful higher education depends on a partnership between a student and the institution they attend.

The seven projects are due to report 31 July 2011.  We will then be analysing the findings and disseminating the learning widely throughout 2011-12 and beyond.

Workshop and Seminar Series 2012

A series of workshops and seminars are being held in the thematic areas of assessment and feedback and retention and success which will share institutions' learning on these important issues in higher education. Each seminar will be hosted and delivered by an HE institution and will focus on the learning and teaching aspects of the themes.

For details of all the seminars, including how to register, please visit our workshop and seminar series page.