This timely collection focuses on the practice and policy behind securing a more socially inclusive higher education and closing the equity gap. Reflective of practice to date, it explores the challenges facing higher education in the UK and USA as the student financial support model increasingly relies on higher fees and delayed debt. This analysis shows the progress made, reflects on the problems raised and focuses on the need to shift the paradigm to focus on successful participation. The book includes the Colin Bell memorial lecture in which Sir Howard Newby explains the rationale behind the development of Lifelong Learning Networks