At the recent Widening Participation Forum hosted at St Mary’s University College, Heather McKee, Deputy Principal at SERC, outlined the critical contribution of Northern Ireland’s six Further Education (FE) colleges in enabling greater access to Higher Education (HE) and improving life outcomes for learners across the region.
Speaking on behalf of the FE sector, she highlighted that widening participation is not simply an educational aspiration but a social and economic necessity. FE colleges, with their deeply embedded regional presence, are uniquely placed to reach individuals and communities who have historically been under‑represented in higher-level study. Their campuses sit within towns, cities, and rural areas across Northern Ireland—providing trusted, familiar environments that lower barriers to engagement and support sustained participation.
A central theme of the presentation was the sector’s long-standing ability to engage those furthest from education. FE colleges offer flexible, supportive pathways that enable learners to progress step by step—from essential skills through further education and on into higher education programmes delivered both independently and in partnership with universities. This agility ensures that education remains accessible to those balancing employment, caring responsibilities, or other challenges that make traditional routes more difficult.
Importantly, the presentation also drew attention to the well‑established link between educational attainment and health outcomes. Individuals with higher levels of education consistently experience better physical and mental health, greater financial security, and longer life expectancy. In this context, the FE and HE sectors play a vital role in addressing health inequalities across Northern Ireland. By creating opportunities for people to develop skills, gain qualifications, and access good employment, colleges are actively contributing to healthier, more resilient communities.
The FE sector’s dual mandate—supporting economic development while driving social inclusion—remains central to its mission. As Northern Ireland continues to focus on widening participation, the partnership between FE, HE, government, and community stakeholders is more important than ever.
The presentation at St Mary’s underscored a clear message: when FE colleges thrive, individuals, families, and entire communities benefit—educationally, economically, and in terms of long‑term health and wellbeing.
Above: Heather McKee, Deputy Principal, Planning, Performance and Engagement speaking at the Widening Participation Forum hosted at St Mary’s University College.
