This paper examines the emerging practice and issues surrounding consortia of educational institutions, formed in Scotland, in order to widen access to higher education for underrepresented groups, and suggests some key strategies for assuring quality in the interests of students. The paper describes the Scottish Wider Access Programme, its funding, future intentions, the East of Scotland Access Consortium, and inter-consortia contacts. Also, a summary of two studies is presented, concerning collaborative efforts from other fields of activity: the first one addressing the rapid growth of strategic alliances in the U.S. business world over the past 10 years; and the second one examining the experience of multi-agency partnerships in the United Kingdom social services area. Contains 21 references. (GLR)