HEA Brings Higher Education Sector Together to Explore Next Steps on Student Progression and Continuation

Posted: 8 October, 2026

Today, the Higher Education Authority (HEA) brings together leaders, policymakers, practitioners and student representatives from across Irish higher education for a national conference focused on exploring next steps on student progression and continuation. 

Taking place in Croke Park, Dublin, the ‘Student Progression and Continuation in Higher Education—Exploring Next Steps’ conference will examine how higher education institutions can further support students to progress successfully through their studies. 

The conference will build on the work of the HEA Policy Forum on Student Progression, with contributors presenting the Forum’s work, report and recommendations and considering how these can inform future approaches across the higher education sector. 

The proposed Good Practice Guidelines on Student Progression and Continuation (pdf) will be a substantive item for discussion, bringing together representatives from across the sector to discuss the guidelines and the proposed approach.  

Building on the success of the Policy Forum, the HEA is establishing a Working Group on Good Practice Guidelines for Student Progression and Continuation in Higher Education to help inform and support good practice across the sector. 

Tim Conlon, Head of Policy and Strategic Planning at the Higher Education Authority (HEA), said:  

‘Supporting student progression is a key priority for the HEA, and we aim to keep the student experience at the centre of our approach. This includes ensuring that students are supported to make informed decisions about their educational journey and recognising that successful outcomes may look different for individual students. 

We recognise the value of bringing higher education institutions together to share their experiences and learn from good practice across the sector. This conference provides an important opportunity to build on the outcomes of the Policy Forum and to consider the next steps that can be taken collectively to support student progression and continuation.’ 

The conference will feature a keynote address from Dr Michelle Morgan, Student Experience Transitions Specialist and Dean of Students at the University of East London, followed by a question-and-answer session. Delegates will also receive presentations from members of the Policy Forum. 

Further information on the HEA Policy Forum for Student Progressions is available at https://hea.ie/policy/hea-policy-forum-on-student-progression-in-higher-education/.