The purpose of the Foster Review was to identify the distinctive contribution colleges make to the learning and skills market and their long-term contribution to economic development and social inclusion. The remit included consideration of many areas including college ethos and mission, employer engagement and relationships with other education sectors and leadership and business planning.  There are aspects of the review which have relevance to HE in FE.

The report recognised the importance of FE Colleges to HE, stating that a third of current full-time entrants to undergraduate education come from FE Colleges and also the contribution FE colleges make to ‘widening participation in higher education directly delivering over 10% of higher education (2005:6)

In terms of progression, the Foster review acknowledges that the ‘contribution of colleges to both progression and delivery of higher level skills is absolutely essential, but this role is not yet widely recognised’ (2005:19).  There is also recognition of the contribution of a third of undergraduates coming from FE and that this is the main route for adults and those from lower socio-economic groups.   Lifelong Learning Networks are singled out as an excellent example of collaborative partnerships between HE and FE in terms of progression opportunities. 

Where mixed economy colleges deliver both HE and FE the Foster Review highlights the difficulty and bureaucracy involved in having to report to two separate bodies and the associated issues with data collection and MIS.  A recommendation was made for a single agency collating data for both HE and FE.

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