News

On 17 June 2025, the WAHEI team, led by researchers from the DEAR Centre at the University of Warwick, visited Fircroft College in Birmingham as part of the ongoing WAHEI research programme (www.warwick.ac.uk/waheiLink opens in a new window). The visit is part of a developing relationship between the DEAR Centre and Fircroft College, built on shared commitments to widening access to higher education and advancing social justice in learning environments.

Fircroft College is a residential adult education institution dedicated to enabling access to higher education for individuals with marginalised backgrounds and challenging life experiences. The college supports learners aged 19 to 60+ through tailored courses, flexible attendance options, and holistic support systems.

Facilitated by Dr Holly Henderson, the visit began with a traditional communal singing session, followed by an insightful meeting with College Principal Melanie Lenehan. Ms Lenehan shared the college’s rich history, ethos, and enduring commitment to equity and transformation in adult education. Dr Henderson offered a comprehensive overview of the curriculum and the various engagement models used to support diverse learners.

A key part of the visit was an interactive activity co-led by Dr Henderson and Professor Emily F. Henderson, where WAHEI team members and Fircroft students formed small groups to reflect on what supports and hinders access to higher education. Discussions highlighted the importance of non-judgemental environments, emotional validation, and institutional linkages in creating meaningful access pathways.

This visit offered powerful insights into the lived realities of widening participation and reinforced the importance of cross-institutional partnerships in educational equity work. It also deepened the collaboration between the DEAR Centre and Fircroft College as part of WAHEI’s broader exploration of global widening access strategies.