Aimhigher is a programme run by the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) with support from the Department for Innovation, Universities & Skills (DIUS).

Originally launched in September 2001, as Excellence Challenge, Aimhigher aims to widen participation in higher education (HE) by raising the awareness, aspirations and attainment of young people from under-represented groups. The programme particularly focuses on young people from disadvantaged social and economic backgrounds, some minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

In August 2004 Aimhigher joined with the HEFCE / LSC-led university outreach programme Partnerships for Progression to form a unified national outreach programme operating across England on a national, regional and area basis.

The role of Aimhigher is to:

• Raise aspirations and motivation to enter HE among young people from under-represented groups, in line with the Government’s target that by the year 2010, 50% of those aged between 18 and 30 should have the opportunity to benefit from HE
• Raise attainment of potential students from under-represented groups so that they gain the academic or vocational qualifications that will enable them to enter HE
• Raise awareness and understanding of the different progression routes into HE via vocational courses – so that prospective students understand that A-levels are not the only option
• Offer information, advice and guidance to potential students and their teachers. 

The University of Westminster is currently involved in the following Aimhigher areas:

Aimhigher London West: www.londonwestaimhigher.co.uk

Aimhigher Central London: www.aimhigher.ac.uk/clp

The University works in partnership with these Aimhigher areas to provide a wide range of activities to engage and motivate students who have the potential to enter higher education but are under-achieving, undecided or lacking in confidence. Examples include:

• Master classes and Subject Tasters
• Ambassador programmes and training
• Staff development
• Mentoring
• Debating challenge
• University experience days
• Specialist workshops
• Progression days and workshops