Access to HE or Foundation?

Access Diplomas are designed for people who have been out of education and haven’t done any level 3 study.
You would be better off resitting your A levels or taking an alternate level 3 qualification instead of taking either a foundation year or an access diploma
What have you been doing in your gap year?

I was wondering if anyone has any experience doing an access course and progressing onto uni?
Currently, I've been accepted to study a foundation year starting in September. I'm on a gap year right now, I sat my A-Levels last year and didn't do well enough to enter in 1st year. Would it be possible to do an access course at college instead of the Foundation year? (mainly to save money as I believe you only get 4 years student loan). Thanks

@rhiannah <3
Hello! I've taught on Access for over 10 years.
The good news is, is that if you are 19 on the first day of the course you can do Access. If you have done Level 3 study (A level) before, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan, and the unique selling point of Access is that your loan for 1 year of Access study is completely written off when you complete your degree.
There are many great foundation years out there, however, following the governments Auger Review, Access to HE programs are seen as a better value for money as they typically cost around £3,400 compared to University fees for a year.
With Access, on site providers like your local FE college typically have better progression rates than online providers. Whoever you choose, make sure the course is validated by an awarding body, in the north west it is Open Awards
Marc
Arden University Student Ambassador