Access boost signals new inclusive era

More than a dozen colleges have set aside hundreds of places for new entrants from poorer backgrounds again next year.

Under the Higher Education Access Route (HEAR) scheme, the seven universities and a number of others reserve varying numbers of spaces.

They generally range from 5% to 20% of places on all courses, with the quota at some colleges also including entry for mature applicants and students with disabilities.

Thirteen of the 16 colleges participating in HEAR are also involved in Disability Access Route to Education (DARE). Both schemes offer places to around 2,000 school-leavers under 23 years, many on CAO points lower than the general cut-off entry, in recognition of the negative impact disability or disadvantage can have on school performance.

Those who qualify for places under HEAR and DARE can also benefit from additional supports when they begin college in the autumn, to help them stay the course.

A number of advice clinics have been held before Christmas for prospective applicants but another series have been organised over the next week.

Most are taking place this Saturday at colleges and other venues in Cork, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kildare, Limerick, Monaghan and Westmeath. From 10am to 2pm, visitors can talk to advisors about applications to either scheme, with students, parents, teachers, guidance counsellors all welcome to attend.

*For details of both schemes, application criteria, upcoming advice clinics (more take place next week in Tralee, Waterford and Wexford), and participating colleges, visit: www.accesscollege.ie