Higher Education Institutions (HEI)

We are proud to collaborate with six distinguished Higher Education Institutions (HEI), each playing a vital role in advancing educational opportunities and supporting student success. Together, our HEI members bring a wealth of expertise, commitment, and shared values that enrich the Access to HE Diploma and ensure rigorous academic pathways. These partnerships reflect our collective dedication to inspiring lifelong learning, fostering academic integrity, and preparing students for the diverse demands of higher education and beyond.

Progression agreements

CAVA currently has formal progression agreements in place with four higher education institutions in England. These agreements all cover slightly different requirements but share the common theme of supporting the progression of CAVA Access to HE Diploma students as they make the transition from further to higher education. 

The universities we work with value the quality of the Access to HE Diploma and the achievements of all students who complete the CAVA Diploma each year. These progression agreements broadly aim to achieve two things: Firstly, they provide bespoke entry requirements to many degree programmes to benefit successful Access to HE Diploma students looking to progress to HE. The agreements are also in place as part of CAVA’s work with the HEI sector to boost progression from FE to HE through supportive and structured outreach and widening participation initiatives. 

The universities CAVA works with share our mission and values to improve access to both further and higher education and these progression agreements support these goals.

ANGLIA RUSKIN UNIVERSITY

This agreement is valid for applications for entry in academic years 2023-24 (Jan 2024 entry courses only), 2024-25, and 2025-26. The agreement means that all CAVA students are guaranteed an interview (where required) and/or an offer of admission on the basis of all Pass profiles. Students will need to meet the subject specific requirements and any additional Level 2 requirements by the University. 

UNIVERSITY OF SUFFOLK

The agreement is valid for applications for entry in academic years 2024-25 and 2025-26. The agreement means that all CAVA students are guaranteed an interview (where required) and/or an offer of admission on the basis of all Pass profiles. Students will need to meet the subject specific requirements and any additional Level 2 requirements by the University.

UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN

CAVA Access to HE Diploma students will benefit from a reduction of 8 UCAS points towards admission to most of University of Lincoln's courses. This reduction will be applied at the point of application to each CAVA-registered student.

UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH

The University of Plymouth will guarantee an offer of admission to CAVA-registered students who successfully complete a CAVA Access to HE Diploma and meet the entry requirements of their intended course. The progression agreement is applicable for all University of Plymouth undergraduate courses, with the exception of those related to Dentistry, Medicine, and integrated Engineering Masters. 

If you would like to discuss any aspect of CAVA’s work with universities through our progression agreements, or you are interested in developing an agreement with us, please contact CAVA’s Director of Quality and Development, Graeme Naylor - g.naylor@cava.ac.uk.