House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Strengthening oversight of partnership delivery in higher education
30 January 2025 · Department for Education
Proposed by Janet Daby Lab Lewisham East
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- The government proposes to consult on requiring franchised providers with 300 or more students to be directly regulated by the Office for Students.
- This regulation would apply if franchised providers wish to offer student loan funding to their students.
- The proposals aim to protect public money and ensure quality in higher education while supporting smaller providers.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the government's proposal to strengthen oversight of partnership delivery in higher education, particularly concerning franchised providers.
Action requested
The government is consulting on proposals to require franchised providers with 300 or more students to be directly regulated by the Office for Students if they want their students to access student loan funding. This aims to safeguard against misuse of public money and low-quality provision while supporting smaller, innovative providers.
Key facts
- The National Audit Office and Public Accounts Committee made recommendations last year about regulatory oversight of student loan funding.
- The OfS is the regulator responsible for higher education in England.
- Proposals aim to directly regulate franchised providers with 300 or more students if they want their students to access student loans.
- Smaller innovative providers may still access the market without facing registration burdens disproportionate to their size.