Institute of Technology Tallaght

Countering non-progression among mature students:• Certificate in Preparatory Study for Higher Education

• Started in 2009• Each year 70-100 mature students register• 10 credit, NFQ Level 6 Special Purpose Award• Free to participants (funding by ETB, South Dublin County

P’ship etc)• Core subjects: study skills, Maths, ICT, Academic English• Electives: up to 12 hours in 3-4 subjects

• Over last 2-3 years participants have begun completing their major awards:• Participants universally positive about experience• Disproportionate number of participants end up as prize

winners, top of their class etc.

Institute of Technology Tallaght

Currently, 18 year olds who are not in a position to access higher education via CAO are often not able to access it until they reach 23 (when they become mature).

ITT developing an equivalent preparatory programme for 18-23 year olds.

Supporting participation needs stronger synergies between providers for FET and HE.