Throughout Scotland, but particularly in disadvantaged areas, there is a strong tradition of community based learning programmes. These programmes provide their participants with introductions to education. They also provide important community benefits by enhancing quality of life and breaking down barriers within the community. Traditionally, though there is an articulation gap between successful community based programmes and the access routes into Further and Higher Education.

Our Research within a number of Edinburgh based voluntary organisations identified:- • That there is evidence of vertical and lateral educational movement by participants between projects • The projects ran operated at a number of levels; building confidence and rehabilitation and building educational capacity, but failed to offer a complete opportunity for learning progression • There are cultural misunderstandings and a lack of cultural awareness at all levels within the educational sector which act as a further barrier to participation by excluded groups • There is a demand for employment routes into new employment sectors but there is little clear concept of what these employment opportunities are • There is evidence of postcode discrimination in access to local employment and access to learning in general.