In 2025, the HEA convened a Policy Forum on Student Progression in Higher Education comprising representatives (Associates) from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and the HEA to develop a national evidence base on student progression, informed by the policies and practices of HEIs. It is envisaged that the evidence base will inform the development and sharing of good practice, policy development, and next steps.

The Policy Forum, chaired by Dr Áine Ní Shé, MTU, met on four occasions in 2025 and twice in 2026.

Associates participating on the Policy Forum on behalf of HEIs:

• Advised, informed, and provided guidance to the HEA on the scope and nature of the activities of the Policy Forum, and on proposed methodologies for engaging with the Sector on the development of a national evidence base.
• Reviewed and provided feedback on draft reports, proposals, and surveys.
• Shared information, knowledge, insights, and expertise (including data and trends) on student progression and on the practices of institutions.
• Supported the collation of institutional data and practices (initiatives, interventions, etc.) that promote progression and measures adopted to address non-progression.
• Shared and disseminated the work of the Policy Forum across the institutions to develop awareness and promote good practice.

In 2025, Associates responded to two surveys capturing institutional practices on student progression and retention. Two reports presenting the findings of the surveys are now available from the links below:

• Student Progression in Higher Education: Outcomes of a HEA survey on institutional data and interventions, prepared by Dr Deirdre Stritch
• Analysis of Student Progression in Higher Education Case Studies Report by Ceartas Consulting.

Three working groups were convened to progress the Policy Forum’s agreed programme of work in 2026, as follows:

Working Group 1: Data and Evidence

Working Group 2: Towards Guidelines/Principles for Good Practice on Student Progression

Working Group 3: Knowledge Exchange and Collaboration

The Policy Forum gathered case studies of evidence-informed interventions implemented by higher education institutions in Ireland to support student retention and progression across the undergraduate lifecycle. These case studies are published to the Exemplar Collection on the National Resource Hub. The interventions described in the case studies serve as examples of good practice for higher education institutions aiming to increase student progression.

The final meeting of the Policy Forum took place in May 2026. The Policy Forum approved its final report, which will be available in due course. The report will be considered by the HEA Board and will inform next steps. A conference on student progression in higher education is expected to take place in the autumn of 2026.

Additional Information

A report on the HEA Conference on Student Progression held on 29 February 2024 can be accessed from: Exploring Student Progression in Higher Education, Conference Report, HEA 2024.

HEA Conference: Exploring Student Progression in Higher Education, 29 February 2024. Conference Agenda and Presentations.

Click here for the most up-to-date Progression and Completion report.

Previous progression reports are available at this archive page.

National Forum on the Enhancement of Teaching & Learning in Higher Education — teachingandlearning.ie

Further information on the Policy Forum can be sought from Policy and Strategic Planning — email: policy@hea.ie