Evaluating the foundation year – 'Foundation sets you up as a student more than anything!'

University entry requirements and programme structure can act as a barrier to many mature students wishing to embark on a university degree. A degree with a foundation year enables widening participation and access students, including mature students, an opportunity to enter university
and develop confidence and skills. This paper explores the experiences of five mature students on the Early Childhood Studies and Education foundation year programme at the University of Plymouth through a longitudinal, qualitative study. This evaluation focuses on the benefits of this foundation year programme and areas of challenge. Benefits of a foundation year include confidence building, identity change and university skills development. Challenges arose because of differences between younger and older students, including disparities in attitudes to learning and socialising, differing priorities and academic confidence.