Building Stronger Foundations: Exploring The Impact of Tutor and Peer Connections.

Foundation year courses are designed to equip students with essential skills and knowledge crucial for a successful transition to undergraduate studies. Foundation programs often serve as a pathway for students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, who may not have attained the grades necessary for direct entry. On review of feedback from students at the end of their foundation year, along with retention data from the previous academic year, challenges were identified in relation to students sense of belonging and support. This study examined the impact of implementing dedicated personal tutors, structured tutorial sessions, course-specific extracurricular activities, and targeted social and academic events on student retention by comparing recent retention data with that from prior years and reviewing feedback from both students and tutors. The study found an increase in retention and progression rates, indicating the positive influence of the additional support measures. Tutor feedback emphasised the importance of further integrating tutorial sessions and support systems within the learning program to maximise the impact. Additionally, it suggests that further training focusing on pastoral support should be provided. Overall, the additional support processes and increased opportunities to engage with peers has increased the number of students successfully completing their foundation year studies, and thus increased the number of students progressing onto undergraduate programmes.