Access, Participation and Success at the Open University

Widening access to, and enhancing success in, Higher Education (HE) is at the heart of the OU's mission and the five goals of the 2022-27 institutional strategy. We aim to support all students to reach their potential and fulfil their ambitions, wherever they are based and whatever their background.

As the largest university in the UK, our flexible distance-learning offer means we have a richly diverse student body in a wide range of circumstances. But analysis of institutional data shows inequitable outcomes across the student lifecycle for minoritised students, and this is what Access, Participation and Success (APS) work seeks to tackle.  ​

Access and Participation Plan

Read our Access and Participation Plan for England and find links to the APS pages of the OU in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

External Events and Publications

Access content from past APS events including our Biennial Conference, as well as the Widening Participation and Lifelong Learning Journal

Facts and Figures about OU Students*

*2023-24 statistics

• 70% work full or part-time during their studies
• 26% live in the most deprived areas of the UK
• 20% shared a disability with us
• 33% had one A'level or a lower qualification at entry
• 2000 are learning in secure environments
• Refugee students are welcomed and supported, as a University of Sanctuary

Our open admissions policy helps thousands of people to achieve their ambitions that they may not have had the opportunity to do elsewhere.

Please contact us for further information about our APS work.