A Small Mark. A Big Future: New Campaign Aims to Raise Awareness of Access to Higher Education Diplomas

Every year, adults across the UK begin transformative journeys, returning to education, building confidence, and stepping into new careers. For many, the Access to Higher Education (HE) Diploma is the route that makes this possible: a nationally recognised one-year qualification designed to help adults progress to university, no matter their background.

Yet thousands of potential learners - and even some educators -still don’t know this route exists.

That’s why the Cambridge Access Validating Agency (CAVA) has launched Pass the Mark, a new initiative designed to spread the word and spark new opportunities. At the centre of the campaign is a simple object with a powerful purpose: a bookmark.

Each bookmark features a QR code that links to clear, accessible information about Access to HE, how it works, and how to get started. People are encouraged to pass it on - to colleagues, students, friends, family members, or anyone who might benefit.

“Access to HE made me feel like I was not only capable, but that I was good,” said one former Medicine student. “It built my confidence and belief in myself.” Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to open a door. Pass the Mark invites all of us to help make those conversations happen.

CAVA’s CEO Emily Ross said: “At CAVA, we believe every adult deserves the opportunity to transform their future through education. Pass the Mark is part of our commitment to championing lifelong learning, and a powerful reminder that one small conversation can spark a life-changing journey”.

The campaign is already rolling out across the country, with digital and physical bookmarks shared in our member colleges, staff rooms, libraries, and communities. A downloadable toolkit and more information about the campaign can be found here.

Because every educational journey starts with a mark. And every adult deserves the chance to make theirs.

CAVA: The Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper: What it means for Adult Learners and Access to HE

Introduction The Department for Education’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper sets out an ambitious programme to reshape England’s skills system. It places employers at the heart of planning, strengthens regional responsiveness, and expands opportunities for adults to study flexibly throughout their lives. For the many adults who begin their higher education journey through the Access to HE Diploma, this reform agenda is significant. It opens new pathways, particularly through modular learning, while placing greater expectations on providers to demonstrate how their provision contributes to local and national workforce needs. A Changing Skills Landscape The White Paper, alongside the updated Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) Guidance published in November 2025, sets a direction of travel that will shape the environment in which Access to HE operates. Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), developed by Employer Representative Bodies and Strategic Authorities, will incr...

Celebrating Access to HE success: Nominations now open for the CAVA Awards 2025

We’re delighted to launch the CAVA Awards 2025, our annual celebration of the dedication, ambition, and achievements of Access to HE students and tutors. Recognising Student Excellence This year, tutors are invited to nominate students in the following two categories: Outstanding Academic Achievement Outstanding Commitment to Study These awards recognise students who have gone above and beyond-whether through academic excellence, determination, or personal growth during their Access to HE Diploma journey. Students are eligible for nomination if they are enrolled on an Access to HE course at the time of submission. Nominations must be submitted via the online nomination form by Monday 6 October 2025. To support tutors, we’ve also created a guidance document with helpful tips for completing the form. Please note: You’ll need to obtain the student’s permission before submitting any personal details to CAVA, and students must also complete a separate consent form confirming they’re ha...

When adults learn, everyone benefits: CAVA celebrates Get The Nation Learning Week

As Get The Nation Learning Week draws to a close, this week reminded us just how transformative education can be - for individuals, communities, and society. CAVA is proud to be part of around 100 organisations supporting the Get The Nation Learning campaign, led by the Learning and Work Institute. This brilliant campaign is built on one simple idea: when adults learn, everyone benefits – individuals, communities, and the whole economy. This growing movement includes organisations including Channel 4, the National Housing Federation, and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. Access to HE Diplomas help adults take their next step into higher education, opening doors to new opportunities and careers. But we also know that opening that door can be incredibly challenging. Many adult learners face real barriers, financial pressures, family commitments, self-doubt, and simply finding the time. That’s why our providers play such a vital role. They meet learners and offer enco...

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