The University of Liverpool is celebrating 25 years of its trailblazing ‘Go Higher’ access programme.
Established in 1999, the programme provides a vital route into higher education for adults without formal qualifications, empowering students from diverse backgrounds to access degree-level study.
MP visit marks occasion
As part of the celebrations, Kim Johnson MP visited the University last week to speak with current and former students from the Go Higher Access to HE Diploma. Her talk focused on her route into politics, the barriers faced by working-class and Black communities in education, and her recent campaign work on the historical mislabelling of Black pupils.
The event generated lively discussion among students, who found Kim’s reflections inspiring and empowering.
Kim described her visit as a “Truly enjoyable afternoon with the Go Higher students: passionate, inquiring, and committed to ensuring working class and diverse students are given every opportunity. I left feeling inspired by the next generation – and wish them well in their future careers.”
Video: 25 years of Go Higher
Radical history of adult education
An exhibition in Special Collections and Archives at the University’s Sydney Jones Library also helped to mark the anniversary, tracing the rich and radical history of adult education at the University – from building upon lectures held at the Liverpool Royal Institution, to today’s nationally recognised pathway for mature students.
“We wanted to tell the story of how education has been used to transform lives – not just through opportunity, but through belonging,” said James Bainbridge, Deputy Director of the Go Higher programme, “Our exhibition celebrated those who came to learning later in life and the University’s enduring commitment to making higher education accessible to all.”
Lifelong learning conference
The 2025 Universities Association for Lifelong Learning (UALL) and Standing Committee on University Teaching and Research in the Education of Arts (SCUTREA) conference was held in Liverpool this year, to celebrate the 25 year anniversary of Go Higher.
Former Go Higher student Viv Woerdenweber giving prizes at the UALL conference
Speaking at the event, University of Liverpool Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Jones said: “Since joining the University I’ve met a number of Go Higher graduates and what always shines through is just how transformative the programme has been for them, on every level. They leave the programme with higher confidence, a real passion for learning and with the qualification they need to take that next step. They go on to study a wide range of subjects, to secure fantastic careers and to feel greater satisfaction and fulfilment with their lives.”
More about Go Higher
Go Higher works with a wide range of people who have been out of education for some time.
This fast-track course, running over one day a week for a year, is specifically designed to introduce students to the research habits and learning processes required at degree level and to develop the confidence, skills and independence needed for success. It is an ideal course for mature students who may be balancing studies with employment or caring responsibilities
Those who have completed the programme over the past 25 years have gone on to complete a wide range of degree courses including Sociology, Law, Archaeology, Irish Studies, English, Politics, History, Popular Music and Business Studies.
Go Higher Director, Claire Jones said: “It is humbling to hear about the obstacles some of these students, especially refugees, have had to overcome.”