Progression Agreements Explained

Kent and Medway Lifelong Learning Network is a partnership of 12 further education and higher education institutions in the region that promotes progression into and through higher education for vocational learners.

All partner colleges and institutions have signed a Progression Accord which demonstrates a commitment to giving vocational learners the additional support that they may need in order for them to be successful in achieving their educational objectives.

What are Progression Agreements?

A Progression Agreement is an agreement between learning providers, such as further education colleges and universities.

Key Facts:

  • A Progression Agreement (PA) works by securing a guaranteed route of progression from successful completion of one programme of study onto another programme of study.
  • A PA is for learners undertaking vocational study at college, school or with independent trainers and also for learners already in higher education.
  • A PA is also for learners in higher education wishing to progress.
  • A progression agreement works by enabling learners to progress from further (college/school) educational qualifications to higher (university) level qualifications. It also enables university graduates to progress to professional or higher level qualifications such as a masters or doctorate degree.
  • There may be additional criteria that you have to meet in order to guarantee progression under the agreement, for example:
    • Gaining a minimum overall grade
    • Passing the current course plus English/Maths GCSE or equivalent

The benefits to learners:

  • A progression agreement gives equal consideration to learners with vocational qualifications wishing to progress to higher education as those with traditional qualifications such as A level.
  • Where a progression agreement exists between institutions you will receive additional support, such as:
    • A guarantee of an interview or an offer of a place on a specific course.
    • Visits to Universities and talks by specialists
    • Enhanced information, advice and guidance activities to give you as much information as possible about your course

Where an agreement exists and the course you are progressing to overlaps some of the learning from your previous course you may be able to claim Accreditation for Prior Learning (APL) credits, so that you do not have to repeat learning already undertaken.