The participating Higher Education Institutions share a demonstrable track record and substantial professional expertise in promoting equity of access. Drawing from this critical knowledge base, operational expertise, a student-focussed approach and a whole picture view of access the SOAR Project has identified five high-level transformational goals. These ambitious long term goals are interrelated and interdependent, they involve culture, practice, service and methodology. They create the optimal environment to significantly widen participation and increase access to higher education for under-represented groups. The complete realisation of these goals stretches beyond the lifespan of PATH 3 however the SOAR Project in design, development, implementation and evaluation will endeavour to further thesegoals as they influence and determine project objectives and actions. Socially Inclusive Learning Environments:Appropriate learning environments in schools for under-repre