St Mary’s Signs New Agreement with Open College Network London

A new Access to Higher Education (HE) progression agreement has been signed by St Mary’s University, Twickenham with the Open College Network (OCN) London.

The agreement, which was signed by St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor Anthony McClaran and CEO of OCN London Carlos Cubillo-Barsi, will see the two institutions working closely to help more students access higher education.

OCN London is the validating body for Access to HE Diplomas taught in over thirty colleges in the London region. Access to HE students are usually mature students who study a one-year intensive programme that enables them to enter university. St Mary’s welcomes and celebrates a diverse student community, and this new partnership aligns strongly with the University’s values and widening participation aims.

Students applying to St Mary’s from an OCN London Access to HE courses will have access to admission and progression benefits, support for UCAS applications and open days. To further support learners, there will also be the opportunity of visits to St Mary’s for taster days or masterclasses.

Many staff from across the University have contributed to setting up the agreement that highlights the outstanding support for all students at the University and considers the entry offers for Access Diploma students. The University is now the fifth University to establish an agreement with the OCN London. This agreement will encourage more Access students to come to St Mary’s.

Speaking of the agreement, St Mary’s Vice-Chancellor Anthony McClaran said, “Increasing access to higher education is a core part of our mission as a University and I am delighted that we have signed this agreement with OCN London to help more learners progress and transform their lives.”

OCN London CEO Carlos Cubillo-Barsi said, “Our partnership with St Mary’s ensures that we can continue to provide access to all levels of education in a broad variety of subject areas, whatever the background or circumstances of our learners. OCN London and St Mary's University share a common ethos, culture, and unrelenting focus on widening access to inclusive education, with a relationship built on mutual trust and respect for each other and our students”.