Words matter: the language of widening participation

This discussion article draws on the authors’ extensive experience to reflect on the impact of the language of widening participation on learners, practitioners and researchers in higher education. Noting different but related terms are used in the UK and Australia, the historic development of the phrase ‘widening participation’ and its reductive acronym ‘WP’ in policy is explored and problematised. Recommendations are made for the sector to critique the taken‐for‐granted use of the ‘widening participation’ phrase for greater inclusivity.