Learning Landmark: Haywards Heath College’s First HE Access Course Proves Major Success

Haywards Heath College is celebrating the success of its first-ever Higher Education Access Course with several students securing offers from some of the country’s leading universities.

Eight learners on the pioneering one-year programme were offered university places including opportunities at prestigious Russell Group institutions.

Launched last September, it is the first time the college had offered a one-year Access to Higher Education (Humanities and Social Sciences) Level 3 Diploma.

The course is designed to provide a strong foundation for adults wishing to gain a Level 3 qualification to pursue degrees in areas such as Sociology, English Literature, History, Politics, International Relations, Psychology and a wide range of other disciplines within the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Open to those aged 18 and over, it involves face-to-face delivery combined with fully supported online study to allow students to study flexibly alongside other commitments.

Students also receive personalised guidance on UCAS application and thorough preparation for university admissions interviews, ensuring they are well-equipped for the next step in their academic journey.

Cris Mummery, Head of Learning at Haywards Heath College, said: “We’re incredibly proud of everything this first Access course group has achieved. It’s brilliant that our students have secured places at universities. 

“Every student should be proud of what they’ve accomplished, and we wish them all the very best for whatever comes next.”

Emmett De Lange will go to The University of Liverpool to study for a joint degree in Sociology and Social Policy. She said: “Choosing to take the Access to Higher Education diploma in Humanities and Social Sciences was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

“It was presented to me as an option on results day last year (2025) as I was not happy with my A-level results. The course has widened my knowledge on subjects I had never studied before (Law, History) and increased my enjoyment for subjects I already loved (English, Psychology).”

Emily Hepworth, who is going to The University of Bristol to study Religion and Theology, said: “The course was great for preparing me for university. The assignments were challenging, but the teachers gave us a lot of resources and were great resources themselves that greatly helped with my work and enabled me to achieve the high grades that I got.”

Finlay Desmond, who has an offer to study for a BSc in Sustainability and Environmental Management at the University of Leeds, said: “I found this course after it was presented as an alternative route to university instead of through the usual channel of A-level results, which greatly supported my academic ambition.

“The learning revolved around graded assignments and set exams, which helped track my progress throughout the year, and consistent support from the teachers was given to help understand the assessment criteria.”

Adam Milford-Cottam, who is hoping to go to university in Japan next year, said: “Prior to doing the course, I doubted that I would go to university. But since completing it, I am very enthusiastic about it.

“The course itself was very engaging. I quite enjoyed it as I had an interest in multiple of the subjects taught within the course. It was great as the teachers helped us to easily understand the work and I am very grateful for their assistance with all of us.”

For more information about the Access Course and all courses at Haywards Heath College click here