Alton College is strengthening its commitment to fostering aspiration and widening student engagement through a new university initiative designed to challenge some of the perceptions of higher education held by students.
This initiative has been spearheaded by Zoe Goros, Lecturer of Business at Alton, who identified a recurring lack of confidence among students on vocational pathways when it came to seeing university as a realistic and achievable next step.
Over the past two academic years, Zoe has worked closely with Southampton Solent University, inviting academics into college to speak directly to Level 3 Business students about degree options, progression routes and the realities of university study. Sessions have focused not only on course options and entry requirements, but also on tackling the myths around student finance, academic ability and ‘belonging’ at university.
The impact of this has been tangible. Since the partnership began, the College has seen a marked increase in the number of vocational students who are willing to consider university, and subsequently go on to submit applications.
Zoe said:
“There are a lot of vocational students who struggle with confidence in their academic ability and genuinely believe that university doesn’t apply to them. That has certainly been my experience. Bringing Solent into College has really helped to demystify what university is like, and shows students that there are always pathways designed with them in mind.”
Dr Blessing Sibanda.
A key contributor to this partnership has been Dr Blessing Sibanda, Course Lead for Economics, Accounting and Finance at Southampton Solent University, whose presentations to HSDC students have outlined clear progression routes from A Levels, vocational courses and T Levels into degree-level study.
His sessions also directly address common concerns around student debt, employability, and skills shortages, reframing higher education as an investment in future opportunity.
Dr Sibanda said:
“As part of our commitment to breaking down barriers to university education, we strongly believe in inclusivity. Our partnership with HSDC is already bearing fruit, with a student successfully enrolling and doing very well on the BSc Accountancy and Finance programme at Southampton Solent University. We hope this collaboration will continue to open doors and create opportunities for FE and vocational learners, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds. As an industry‑facing university, this partnership plays a vital role in preparing students for the transition to university study and future employment.”
Building on this success, Alton College is proud to take the initiative a step further. Later in the summer term, Zoe will be leading bespoke university visits exclusively for Alton students, starting with a tailored tour of Bournemouth University.
This visit will include meetings with academics, tours of halls of residence and guided visits to social spaces and student facilities, giving our learners a realistic and welcoming insight into day-to-day university life.
This work sits firmly within HSDC’s wider mission to raise aspirations, promote social mobility and encourage every student to aim high, regardless of background or starting point. By embedding university engagement into the curriculum and prioritising these inclusive partnerships, Alton is ensuring that higher education feels visible, accessible and achievable for all its learners.