Further education has made significant progress in widening participation and raising standards since the publication of the Kennedy report three years ago, according to three funding council reports published this week.
A survey by Further Education Funding Council inspectors found that colleges have adopted a more systematic, institution-wide approach to widening participation.
The survey also shows that colleges have found it easier to act on their commitment to widening access with the help of targeted government funding, but some believe more resources are needed.