ABSTRACT
Open Colleges in the UK are pioneers in encouraging systematic provision for adult and young people's learning wherever that may take place. This chapter deals with the achievements and potential of Open Colleges which have roots in local communities and wide regional acceptance; with mechanisms which have been negotiated carefully between students, tutors, organizers and providers. Student registration is followed by another important stage in the administration of Open College processes. The major course review will be planned on a college-by-coliege basis, offering opportunities for college management to share in the growing perspectives of work completed by separate divisions, departments, and sections, and with those who organize, teach, and learn. The emerging national framework for the accreditation of Access to higher education courses will undoubtedly have similar needs, already openly acknowledged by Council for National Academic Awards. Open College-type activities, especially of the accreditation kind, would be an essential part of such a wider perspective for educational functions in society.
