ABSTRACT
The curriculum reforms for 16-to 19-year-olds were implemented with the intention of consolidating and streamlining the learning experience. This should make the transition between levels more transparent. A clear perceptual divide exists between FE and HE, mainly because HE is associated with the physical move to a university or college away from home and a loss of the support of school friends. In many respects there is also an imaginary boundary around HE, a sector that has a history of elitism. The widening participation agenda is clearly challenging this notion and creating a welcome discussion of some of the issues associated with this.
