House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement
Government Response to the Franchising in Higher Education Consultation
09 December 2025 · Department for Education
Proposed by Josh MacAlister Lab Whitehaven and Workington
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
At a glance
Key points
- Government will require franchised providers with 300 or more students to be directly regulated by the Office for Students from academic year 28/29.
- Regulatory changes aim to improve oversight and accountability in higher education franchising.
- Tightened regulations are part of broader cross-government initiatives to prevent fraud and misuse of public funds.
Issue summary
The statement addresses the government's response to the consultation on franchising in higher education, focusing on regulatory changes to improve oversight and accountability.
Action requested
The government is tightening regulations for franchised providers with 300 or more students by requiring them to be directly regulated by the Office for Students starting from academic year 28/29. This action complements cross-government efforts to prevent fraud and misuse of public funds, including data sharing and legislative measures.
Key facts
- The number of franchised students doubled from 50,430 in 2018/19 to 135,850 in 2022/23.
- A majority (62%) of franchised students study business and management.
- Providers with 300 or more students will be subject to direct regulation by the Office for Students from academic year 28/29 onwards.
- The requirement does not apply to certain categories such as state-funded schools, NHS trusts, local authorities, government departments, etc.
- The Public Sector Fraud Authority is taking action to ensure cross-government data sharing to detect fraudulent behaviour.
- A Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill has completed its passage through Parliament.