Monthly update
Read our monthly update - a roundup of news, blog posts, reports and web updates published on our site.
Please click on the + sign for each month. (Each month is retrospective.)
2021
Read this month's digital update
News
Major shake-up for National Student Survey following review
Major changes in the National Student Survey (NSS) will be introduced over the next two years following the first phase of a review of the survey conducted by the Office for Students (OfS).
OfS sets out new condition to protect students if a university or college closes
The OfS will introduce a new condition of registration to help protect students’ interests where a university, college or other higher education provider runs into severe financial difficulties - or has to close for other reasons.
OfS responds to the Commission on Race and Ethnic Disparities report
Chris Millward, director for fair access and participation, responds to the Commission's report into racial and ethnic disparities in the UK.
Regulator opens consultations on funding and outlines new plans to improve outreach to disadvantaged students
Universities and colleges have been invited to give their views on a number of proposed changes to how the Office for Students (OfS) allocates funding. The OfS has also published its next steps on how it will fund outreach to improve equality of opportunity in higher education.
Be sensible with admissions to secure quality, OfS warns
Universities and colleges must keep the promises they make to students during this year’s admissions cycle and not end up 'sacrificing quality for inflated intakes', the chief executive of the Office for Students (OfS) has warned today.
Students need support to succeed in and beyond higher education
Persistent gaps in outcomes for some groups of students highlight the need for universities and colleges to support students effectively to succeed in higher education, the Office for Students (OfS) has warned.
Blog
Evaluation in a time of crisis
Richard Shiner, head of access and participation evaluation and Rae Tooth, chief executive at Villiers Park Educational Trust explore the importance of evaluation and how it can improve our vision for the future.
Building on success: a new focus for Uni Connect
The Uni Connect programme will continue to support the most disadvantaged young learners while placing a greater focus on supporting adults into higher education and training.
The year ahead: What students can expect from the OfS
Many students were delighted to return to school last week. After such a difficult year – often with extremely disrupted learning – getting back in the classroom with their friends and teachers was a welcome boost. Those in their final year in college or sixth form will now be thinking about their next steps.
Technology in teaching is a big opportunity – but it's how you use it that counts
Online learning has become the new reality for students over the past year. But with a lockdown exit plan in place and we look to a post-pandemic world, it should not be jettisoned completely.
Making student mental health a priority
For University Mental Health Day, Amy Norton, the OfS’s Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, explains how the OfS is working with higher education providers and the third sector to promote effective practice in mental health support for students and help them to thrive.
Publications
Regulatory notice 6: Condition C4: Student protection directions
This regulatory notice contains an ongoing condition of registration introduced to enable the OfS to intervene more quickly and in a targeted way when we consider there to be a material risk that a registered provider may cease the provision of higher education.
Consultation on student protection directions: Decision
This document sets out the decisions taken by the OfS following analysis of responses to the consultation on student protection directions.
Information about deadlines for data returns
This letter sets out further information about deadlines for data returns required during the 2020-21 academic year.
NSS review: Phase one report
The report summarises the findings of the first phase of the 2020 NSS review and makes recommendations for the second phase of the review.
Consultation on distribution of capital funding for financial year 2021-22
We are consulting on the approach to capital funding for financial year 2021-22 following the Department for Education’s guidance letter which has made available £150 million in capital funding for the Office for Students to distribute. This consultation sets out our proposals for the distribution of capital funding to providers.
Consultation on recurrent funding for 2021-22
We are consulting on the approach to recurrent funding for 2021-22 in the light of the government’s statutory guidance letter and the condition of grant applied by the Secretary of State on the Office for Students.
A new approach to the Uni Connect programme from 2021-22 to 2024-25
In this consultation response we identify and discuss the issues raised by respondents to the proposals set out in the consultation and demonstrate how we have taken these into account in deciding how to move forward with our approach for phase three of the programme.
Formative evaluation of Uni Connect phase two: survey of school and college staff
The evaluation looks at school and college engagement and relationships with Uni Connect targeted outreach, the unique offering of Uni Connect targeted outreach and the differential outcomes, including how and why Uni Connect is working differently for different groups.
An independent evaluation of Uni Connect’s impact on intermediate outcomes for learners
This is a report for the Office for Students on the first three waves of the longitudinal survey of Uni Connect target learners. The analysis presented in this report looks at the extent of the change in intermediate outcomes for Uni Connect target learners between 2017 and 2019, whether these changes are associated with particular learner characteristics, how learners engage with the programme, and whether they can be attributed to Uni Connect.
Evaluation of access and participation plan reforms
A commentary from the director for fair access and participation on progress since the new reforms, an independent evaluation of how the reforms are driving change in provider behaviour to create equality of opportunity and a response from the OfS to this evaluation.
Update - Guidance for providers about student and consumer protection during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
We have updated our guidance on student and consumer protection during the pandemic to ensure it continues to be appropriate in the current lockdown.
Web updates
For students
For students: revised section structure
Student guide to coronavirus:
- FAQs updated to align with the latest safer travel guidance
- new FAQ on travelling home for the spring break
Advice for EU and international students: government guidance updated
Promoting equal opportunities
Access and participation plans:
- updated with 2021 submission deadlines
- new investment FAQ added
Uni Connect: new approach to Uni Connect added
Employment and skills
Study artificial intelligence and data science as a postgraduate: course start dates added
Local graduate case studies: new case study added on virtual internships
Funding for providers
Annual funding updated to reflect consultations
PGR funding competition: dates updated
Regulation and the Register
The Register: February bulletin added
Data and analysis
Student number data: data updated
Institutional performance measures: technical documentation updated
Official statistics:
- Access and participation data dashboard: updated with annual release of data
- Young participation by area: updated with annual release of data
- Participation performance measures: KPM 1-5 and 7 updated with annual release of data
- Experience performance measures: KPM 8 and 9 updated with annual release of data
- Outcomes performance measures: KPM 18 updated with annual release of data and KPM 16 added
Student information
Discover Uni and Unistats: updated widget user guide
National Student Survey:
- review report and next steps added
- sector-level characteristic data updated
- March update to 2020 results
Corporate and general
Event: Gravity assist: a new era for higher education? recording added
Our student panel: panel members updated and October 2020 minutes added
Board papers: Latest board papers published
Our board and committees: updated board members and registers of interest
Gender pay gap: March 2020 data added
Procurement: pipeline of future tender opportunities and new opportunity added
TRAC website
TRAC guidance: FAQ added on research charge-out rates
Read this month's digital update
News
The OfS distributes £50 million hardship funding
The OfS has written to universities and colleges with details of additional funding of £50 million to help address student hardship.
Lord Wharton appointed as new chair of the Office for Students (OfS)
Lord Wharton begins his term in April 2021.
Clearer expectations on harassment for universities and colleges
The OfS is re-launching its work to tackle harassment and sexual misconduct in higher education.
OfS responds to the government’s proposals on free speech
Students more confident with online learning than lecturers are about teaching digitally
Universities and colleges need to boost training and support for lecturers to realise long-term advantages of digital teaching and learning, a new landmark report has said.
Blog
Graduate opportunities in a new tech world
Postgraduate conversion courses funded by the OfS are equipping students with digital skills to work in a wide range of industries.
How to raise a concern about a university or college
Now more than ever it is crucial for students to know what to expect from their university or college about teaching and support.
Improving local prosperity: the big challenge for higher education in 2021
Chris Millward looks at the role higher education plays in local prosperity by improving opportunities through education and jobs.
‘This is the higher education sector’s moment to learn, change and innovate’
As Sir Michael Barber, chair of the Office for Students, publishes his review of digital teaching and learning, Jisc’s chief executive, Dr Paul Feldman, assesses the potential impact of its recommendations on post-pandemic higher education.
Publications
Evaluating the delivery and impact of the OfS investment in the Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes
This report sets a baseline for the evaluation of the Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO), and gives recommendations for the OfS, TASO and the sector.
Further additional funding of £50 million for student hardship for financial year 2020-21
The government has made available additional one-off funding totalling £50 million to help address hardship faced by students as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
2019-20 post-collection outputs: release letter
This letter provides information on post-collection output files, how to access them and which outputs will be available.
General ongoing condition A1: Provisional decision to approve an access and participation plan
These letters give information on the roll-over of initial approval of access and participation plans to cover the academic year 2021-22.
Outcomes of consultation: Additional recurrent and capital funding for 2020-21 and monitoring of medical and dental intake targets
This reports our decisions on additional recurrent and capital teaching funding for financial year 2020-21 and highlights outcomes from the consultation.
Gravity assist: propelling higher education towards a brighter future
A review of digital teaching and learning led by Sir Michael Barber and commissioned by the Secretary of State for Education.
Web updates
Coronavirus
Letter from the Minister of State for Universities added on plans for the reopening of education settings
- updated FAQs to reflect government guidance
- updated government and OfS guidance for students, including resuming in-person learning from 8 March
Funding for providers
Changes to funding and monitoring for 2019-20
Promoting equal opportunities
Effective practice: Inclusive practice resources for disabled students added
Access and participation plan monitoring: student submission deadline added
Data and analysis
Official statistics:
- data for the 2020-21 academic year for providers in the Approved (fee cap) category of the OfS Register
- 2019-20 data on the number of full-time equivalent higher education students at registered providers
Regulation and the Register
Government guidance: letter from the Universities Minister on distribution of further hardship funding
Addition to the January 2021 bulletin
Teaching
TEF advisory group: membership details updated
Corporate
Procurement: tender opportunity added
Our boards and committees: board members’ register of interests updated
- Spending over £25,000 - December 2020 and January 2021 data
- Senior staff expenses - 2020-21 Q3 data
Read this month's digital update
News
Latest lockdown should not lead to lost learning, says regulator
Universities should do all they can to deliver the teaching they have promised to students and alternative arrangements where this is not possible. This may include putting on extra lectures, repeating parts of the course, or fee refunds.
OfS responds to the government’s interim response to the Augar review, statutory guidance on funding, and the TEF
The OfS has responded to measures on higher education announced today by the Department for Education.
New guide to help students raise concerns
The Office for Students (OfS) has published a new guide as part of its work to support students, student representatives and students’ unions to notify the OfS about issues that may arise at their university or college which relate to its regulatory responsibilities.
OfS responds to latest statistics on degree attainment
Blog
The Disabled Students’ Commission: Making a difference for disabled students in higher education
Estelle Kane, Senior Officer - Access and Participation;
Beth Cooper, Access and Participation Officer, Office for Students
White students who are left behind: the importance of place
Chris Millward, Director for Fair Access and Participation, Office for Students
How can we improve support for students who have been in care or required the support of a social worker?
Dr Omar Khan, Director of the Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes in Higher Education (TASO)
Publications
Letter to accountable officers: Regulation during the current phase of the coronavirus pandemic
This letter gives a short update on the actions we are taking in response to the disruption caused by the coronavirus pandemic and, in particular, the lockdown imposed by government on 5 January.
Letter to accountable officers: Office for Students’ response to today’s announcements from the Department for Education
This letter updates English higher education providers on how the OfS intends to take forward the announcements from the Department for Education on funding and the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF).
Guidance for providers about quality and standards during the coronavirus pandemic
This updated guidance sets out our expectations for providers in maintaining quality and standards during the period of disruption resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.
Guidance for providers about reportable events during the coronavirus pandemic
This update gives guidance for providers about reportable events during the coronavirus pandemic.
Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework: Findings from the second subject-level pilot 2018-19
These reports set out the results and key findings from the 2018-19 Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework subject-level pilot.
Office for Students notifications: A guide for students, student representatives and students’ unions
National Student Survey: Procedures for investigating allegations of inappropriate influence
Updated to reflect the results of a data impact assessment
Web updates
Coronavirus
Provider guide to coronavirus: Additional FAQ on distribution of student hardship funding for 2020-21
Student guide to coronavirus: Latest government guidance for students on the current lockdown
Data and analysis
Ad hoc statistics: Transparency return 2019 applications data
New key performance measures:
Promoting equal opportunities
Addressing Barriers to Student Success programme:
- Final evaluation report for Nottingham Trent University
- Final evaluation report for University of Exeter
Uni Connect: recording added of online event providing information on the consultation on a new approach to the Uni Connect programme from 2021-22 to 2024-25
Uni Connect: Phase three FAQs added
Regulation and the Register
The Register: two new Degree Awarding Powers listed
Skills and employment
Local graduates case studies:
Student information and data
National Student Survey: information on the coronavirus pandemic - questions added
Guide to notifications – discussion sessions for students, student representatives and students' union officers
Funding for providers
Deadline extended to 27 May 2021 for funding to improve access and participation for black, Asian and minority ethnic students in postgraduate research
General
Our board and committees: Update to Register of interests for board members and for Risk and Audit Committee
Guidance from government: statutory guidance on the allocation of higher education teaching grant funding in the 2021-22 financial year
Transparency data: November 2020 data for spending over £25,000 and procurement spend over £500 published
Read this month's digital update
News
Office for Students distributes additional hardship funding
The OfS has today written to universities and colleges with details of additional funding of £20 million to help to address student hardship.
The OfS sets out how students can register concerns
New guidance issued by the OfS has outlined how we will continue to respond to students, staff at universities and members of the public who have concerns that a university may be breaching its registration conditions.
The OfS seeks views on approach to collaborative outreach
The OfS has launched a consultation on the future of the Uni Connect programme, setting out plans to extend the funding of the programme to 2025.
New OfS analysis examines differences in higher education access and continuation between different groups of students
The OfS has published a new analysis of differences on access and continuation rates in higher education between students from different ethnic groups.
OfS publishes new experimental measure on student outcomes
The OfS has published details of a new measure which projects how likely it is that students will end up graduating as well as going on to professional employment or further study.
Statement on preferred candidate for OfS Chair
The Department for Education has announced that Lord Wharton of Yarm is the preferred candidate to be the new chair of the Office for Students.
English higher education ‘in reasonable financial shape’ despite impact of pandemic
Finances at England’s universities and other higher education providers largely remain sound despite the early impact of the pandemic, new analysis from the OfS has found. However, there is significant variation in the position of different providers.
Universities’ response to pandemic could see radical improvements in digital teaching, says OfS
Universities and colleges in England should take the opportunity to radically improve digital teaching and learning as they continue to negotiate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the Office for Students (OfS) has said in its annual review.
Blog
Uni Connect consultation - routes to success
A new OfS consultation proposes a more targeted approach to higher education collaborative outreach with a greater focus on further education and mature learners.
What’s the point of regulation?
Cathryn Ross, Group Regulatory Affairs Director, BT Group, reflects on the OfS's recent Insight event.
Why regulate? Reflections from the latest OfS Insight event
What is the point of regulation? What do students and higher education providers want to see from the higher education regulator? These were a couple of the questions raised in our Insight event held online last week.
OfS will tackle pockets of low quality higher education provision
Nick Holland, Competition and Registration Manager at the Office for Students introduces new proposals on poor quality courses.
Publications
Graduate wellbeing recorded in the Graduate Outcomes survey
This report summarises the wellbeing of graduates as reported in the Graduate Outcomes survey, which graduates have responded to 15 months after completing their higher education course.
Student transfers: Experimental statistics on students changing course from 2012-13 to 2017-18
This report:
- introduces the numbers and proportions of students who transfer, both within the same provider and to a different provider, from 2012-13 to 2017-18
- examines the number of students who change to a different course and were not reported to have carried credit from the previous study with them
- examines the proportions of student transfers by certain characteristics.
Financial sustainability of higher education providers in England: An update
This report provides a summary of the Office for Students’ (OfS’s) analysis of financial data returned by registered higher education providers in England (excluding further education colleges) to the OfS at the end of October 2020 as part of an ‘interim financial data return’.
Additional funding for student hardship for 2020‑21
Details of one-off funding totalling £20 million that the OfS is distributing to higher education providers in the financial year 2020-21 to address student hardship.
Student submissions for the monitoring of 2019-20 access and participation plans
Guidance on how students can complete a report on the progress their university or college has made in delivering its 2019-20 access and participation plan.
Consultation on a new approach to the Uni Connect programme from 2021-22 to 2024-25
The OfS is seeking views on a new approach to the Uni Connect programme from academic year 2021-22 to 2024-25.
An independent review of evaluation evidence submitted by Uni Connect partnerships
This evaluation report presents the findings from an independent review of partnerships’ evaluation evidence, conducted by CFE Research.
Regulatory advice 15: Monitoring and intervention
This guidance document provides further information for registered providers on monitoring and intervention.
Regulatory advice 18: Notifications about providers from third parties
This document provides guidance for registered providers about the way in which the OfS will treat ‘notifications’ from third parties in its regulatory activities.
Consultation on reportable events
We are consulting on our requirements for reportable events. A reportable event is a standing requirement placed on each registered provider to report certain events or matters to the OfS.
Consultation on the Office for Students’ approach to monetary penalties
We are seeking views on our proposed approach to the use of our powers to impose monetary penalties on a higher education provider that breaches its conditions of registration with the OfS.
Consultation on publication of information about higher education providers
The OfS receives and generates information about the sector as a whole and about individual providers’ performance and regulatory compliance. We are now seeking views on the approach that we propose to take to the publication of information about individual providers and other persons.
Access and continuation data by ethnicity, provider tariff group and subject group
This report summarises access and continuation data for full-time (or apprenticeship) UK-domiciled undergraduate entrants to English higher education providers between 2013-14 and 2018-19, split by ethnicity and provider tariff group.
Fee information for new entrants in 2021-22
This document provides information about the prescribed fee caps that apply to individual higher education providers and the maximum fees chargeable by that provider to new students starting courses in 2021-22.
Developing an understanding of projected rates of progression from entry to professional employment
This research report outlines a new measure reporting projected rates of students progressing from entry to first degree programmes through to professional employment or further study (previously referred to as ‘start to success’).
English higher education 2020: The Office for Students annual review
We have published our annual review, reflecting on a year of challenge and resilience for English higher education. The review looks at our support to students and the sector during the pandemic, and sets out our priorities for 2021.
Web updates
Coronavirus
Latest on returning to university in 2021
We have updated our FAQ for students on returning to university in 2021, including new information about tier 4.
Provider guide to coronavirus: FAQs updated with government guidance on student movement
Data and analysis
Official statistics: Annual release of intake numbers from the medical and dental survey
Official statistics: Update to National Student Survey results 2020
Student numbers 2018-19 - monthly update
Access and participation
Funding competition to improve access and participation for black, Asian and minority ethnic students in postgraduate research: webinar recording added and FAQs updated
Gypsy, Roma and Traveller effective practice: GTRSB into Higher Education Pledge information added
Regulation and the Register
Complaints and notifications: New webpage added on notifications from students or other third parties
New guide added on monitoring and intervention regulation
Additional FAQs added for changes to quality and standards
Insight event - Regulator and regulated: what’s the right relationship?: recordings of event added
Student wellbeing and protection
Consumer Benefit Forum: new webpage added
Student information
NSS: Membership of the NSS working group updated
Student panel: latest minutes published
Miscellaneous
Brexit advice for students: updated information following the government's changes to student visas and immigration
New key performance measures: diversity of provider choice within subject and diversity of subject choice by region
Transparency data: October 2020 data for spending over £25,000 and procurement spend over £500 published
2020
Read this month's digital update
News
Support for disadvantaged students crucial as selective university numbers rise
More than 1,000 extra students from some of the most disadvantaged parts of the country have started courses at high tariff universities this year.
Universities must keep students informed on teaching plans, says regulator
The Office for Students (OfS) has today written to universities and colleges to highlight the importance of communicating changes to how courses are taught during the lockdown amid concerns of inadequate information for students where tougher pandemic restrictions have been introduced.
Online student mental health support extended through lockdown into 2021
Student Space, an online platform delivering targeted mental health support to students during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, will be extended to cover the 2020-21 academic year – the Office for Students (OfS) has confirmed today.
Regulator plans tougher minimum standards in higher education
A consultation launched by the Office for Students (OfS) today sets out initial proposals to raise the bar on quality and standards in higher education.
Grade inflation ‘remains a significant and pressing issue’ – new OfS analysis
The rapid increase in students receiving first class honours degrees which cannot be explained by factors which may affect attainment has slowed, new data from the Office for Students (OfS) shows.
OfS commissions new study on support for care experienced students
A new project exploring how national support for care experienced students can be improved has been commissioned by the Office for Students.
New data highlights equality gaps for estranged students
Students who are estranged from their parents are considerably less likely to be awarded a first or 2:1 and more likely to drop out in their first year of studies, according to new experimental data released by the Office for Students (OfS).
New analysis shows postgraduate courses are increasing diversity in AI and data science
New autumn 2020 student admissions data shows a diverse range of students have enrolled on artificial intelligence (AI) and data science postgraduate conversion courses funded by the Office for Students (OfS).
Blog
Tackling differential outcomes for underrepresented students in higher education - Melanie Redwood, Senior Officer - Access and Participation, Office for Students
Why grade inflation matters - Nick Holland, Competition and Registration Manager, Office for Students
Beyond COVID-19: The future of digital teaching and learning - Lara Bird, Strategic Policy Adviser, Office for Students
Flexible learning can improve diversity and inclusion in higher education - Rachid Hourizi, Director of the Institute of Coding
Join Your AI Future: Postgraduate conversion courses show increased diversity - Helen Embleton, Postgraduate Conversion Course Manager, Office for Students
Publications
Letter to accountable officers: Monitoring of access and participation plans 2019-20
Analysis: Update to associations between characteristics of students
Differences in student outcomes: Further characteristics
Value for money in the Office for Students: Annual report 2019-20
Analysis of degree classifications over time: Changes in graduate attainment from 2010-11 to 2018-19
Letter to accountable officers: Additional recurrent and capital funding for 2020‑21 and monitoring of medical and dental intake targets - initial decisions
Consultation on regulating quality and standards in higher education
Registration condition B3: 2020 sector-level indicators
National Student Survey: Procedures for investigating allegations of inappropriate influence - updated for NSS 2020
Letter to accountable officers: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - New national restrictions for England
Summative evaluation of the OfS Addressing Barriers to Student Success programme
Web updates
Regulation and the Register
Consultation event on regulating quality and standards in higher education: Recording of webinar added
Changes to quality and standards: A guide to the proposed changes
Accounts direction (Regulatory advice 9): Update to confirm the requirements regarding disclosures of access and participation expenditure for 2019-20
Monthly bulletin of regulatory activity: October 2020 bulletin
Coronavirus
Updates to information for students on end of term 2020: Further advice for students on going home at the end of the autumn term 2020
Consultation event on regulating quality and standards in higher education: recording of webinar added
Regulator plans tougher minimum standards in higher education: Updated guide to quality and standards -
Promoting equal opportunities
Access and participation plan monitoring: New webpages
Role models video added featuring care experienced students
Case study of pathways to higher education for mature learners from the forced migrant community - Birkbeck, University of London
Case study of improving outcomes for local graduates - Manchester Metropolitan University
Effective practice: Resources on refugees - links for new report from UNICEF UK and Refugee Support Network; good practice from UCAS
Effective practice: Resources on Black, Asian and minority ethnic students - link to new Universities UK report
Student wellbeing and protection
Student mental health: Resources for PhD students and their supervisors - Queen Mary University of London
Data and analysis
HESES20: answers to questions raised at our recent webinars
- Session one: Introduction to HESES20
- Session two: Categorising your students using HESES20 definitions
- Session three: Identifying and counting students to be included in HESES20
- Session four: Submission and verification of the HESES20 workbook
Student numbers - latest data: Student numbers 2018-19
General
Release of OfS key performance measure 7: Ratio of outcomes achieved through access to money spent on access
Release of OfS key performance measure 19: Student and key stakeholder perceptions of value for money
Transparency data: Latest data for spending over £25,000 and senior staff travel and expenses
TRAC website (Transparent approach to costing)
TRAC guidance: FAQ added including a separate COVID-19 working paper
TRAC guidance: Annexes updated -
- Annex 3.5a (Income allocation table 2019-20)
- Annex 3.5b (Guidance on allocation of Office for Students/Research England/Funding Council grants 2019-20)
- Annex 4.1a (2019-20 TRAC return template)
Read this month's digital update
News
£1 million funding competition to support student mental health
OfS student panel outlines priority areas for supporting students in self-isolation
Principles-based regulation: OfS publishes new Insight brief
New report published on mental health support for postgraduate research students
Regulator monitoring digital teaching quality at universities
OfS seeks views on distributing funding for increased student numbers
New fund to improve postgraduate research participation and access
Interim evaluation of access and participation reforms
Blog
Access to higher education before, during and after the pandemic - Chris Millward, Director for Fair Access and Participation
OfS student panel statement on support for students in self-isolation during coronavirus pandemic - Martha Longdon, Chair of the OfS's student panel
Fostering a healthy and supportive research environment for postgraduate research students - Suzy Allinson, Senior Officer, Office for Students; Claire Fraser, Senior Policy Adviser, Research England
Unlocking research talent and potential - Chris Millward, Director for Fair Access and Participation; Steven Hill, Director of Research, Research England
Digital teaching and learning: the opportunity - Michael Barber, Chair, Office for Students
Publications
Funding competition: Using innovation and intersectional approaches to target mental health support for students
Insight brief - A matter of principles: Regulating in the student interest
Higher Education Students Early Statistics survey 2020-21 (HESES20): Guidance for providers
Additional recurrent and capital funding for 2020‑21 and monitoring of medical and dental intake targets: Consultation and invitation to bid for capital
Prevent monitoring: Guidance for accountability and data returns 2020
Funding competition to improve access and participation for black, Asian and minority ethnic groups in postgraduate research study
Official statistics: Postgraduate research students at high tariff providers
Independent research: Effectiveness in implementation of access and participation plan reform
NSS: The National Student Survey 2021
Office for Students' business plan: October 2020 - March 2021
Letters to accountable officers:
Insight brief and autumn-winter activity
Coronavirus outbreaks
Web updates
Coronavirus
Coronavirus provider guide: new FAQ on resources for providers in the event of a suspected outbreak
Coronavirus student guide: FAQs updated
Promoting equal opportunities
Our approach to access and participation: new page on evaluating our approach
Uni Connect: list of providers delivering digital information, advice and outreach updated
Children from military families effective practice topic briefing: new example added
Regulation and the Register
Monthly bulletin of regulatory activity: September 2020 bulletin
Degree awarding powers: details of degree awarding powers Order for Regent's University London Limited
Data and analysis
Young participation by area postcode search: feedback survey launched
Area-based measures: TUNDRA feedback survey launched
HESES20 data return: additional supporting documents and courses table information
HESES data: updated data for the Higher Education Students Early Statistics (HESES) survey relating to the 2019-20 academic year
HESES20: supporting documents for the HESES20 data return and new guidance videos
Area-based measures data: OfS analysis of UCAS-placed applicants by POLAR4 28 days after the Joint Council for Qualifications results day
2019-20 data checking tools: technical documentation for additional outputs:
• HESA student data checking tool
• HESA student alternative data checking tool
Student wellbeing
Student mental health: section update, including resources to support PGR students' mental health
Funding for providers
Funding competition to improve access and participation for black, Asian and minority ethnic students in postgraduate research: information about the new funding competition
Mental health funding competition: further FAQs added
October grant announcements: updated funding allocations, see:
• Recurrent funding for 2019-20
• Recurrent funding for 2020-21
• Formula capital funding for 2020-21
• 2019-20 and 2020-21 sector tables
Student information and data
National Student Survey (NSS): provider and students' union feedback survey
NSS: sector analysis of National Student Survey results 2020
NSS: routine update to the 2019 and 2020 NSS data to account for data amendments and provider mergers since the data was originally published
General
Key performance measure 12: holding page published for OfS KPM on learning gain
Transparency: OfS spending over £25,000 August 2020 data published
Read this month's digital update
News
Universities must provide clarity for students, says regulator
Students should expect good quality higher education, effective support for mental health and wellbeing, and clear information from their universities, the Office for Students (OfS) has said.
OfS announces next steps for the National Student Survey
The Office for Students (OfS) has detailed arrangements for a review of the National Student Survey.
Regulator outlines significant cuts to bureaucracy
The Office for Students (OfS) has set out measures to reduce unnecessary burden on universities and other higher education providers.
‘Digital poverty’ risks leaving students behind
The ability of students to participate in higher education from home is being disrupted by a lack of access to core digital infrastructure, new survey data published by the Office for Students (OfS) shows, as a major new review into digital teaching and learning is launched.
Blog
What students are telling us about learning during lockdown
Susan Lapworth, the OfS's Director of Regulation, discusses the results of our recent poll to find out how students' teaching, learning and assessment were affected during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown.
Publications
Medical and Dental Students survey 2020
The OfS has published details of the Medical and Dental Students survey 2020 (MDS20).
Annual fee information collection guidance
Any higher education provider holding an access and participation plan must annually return information on the fees it charges to students. This document describes how providers must return this information.
Regulatory advice 14: Guidance for providers for the financial monitoring returns - update
This regulatory advice sets out guidance about the information that a provider is required to submit as part of its financial monitoring returns to the OfS.
Prevent: Q&A for providers on how to comply with the Prevent duty during the coronavirus pandemic
Digital teaching and learning in English higher education during the coronavirus pandemic: Call for evidence
This call for evidence is seeking a wide breadth of sector input and experience to understand the challenges faced, and lessons learned from remote teaching and learning delivery since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020.
Evaluation of the OfS Mental Health Challenge Competition
This report explores early findings from our Mental Health Challenge Competition, including lessons learned and common challenges experienced during project implementation, delivery and the development of strategic partnerships.
Web updates
Coronavirus
Coronavirus section: minor updates to reflect latest situation
Learning online in the coronavirus pandemic: student guide to our digital learning and teaching review
Promoting equal opportunities
Student engagement and consultation effective practice topic briefing: new effective practice example
Teaching
TEF advisory group: membership list updated with confirmation of the Department for Education representative
Regulation and the Register
Guidance letter from the Minister for Universities: Additional teaching grant and funding/reducing the bureaucratic burden on providers
Fee limits: confirmation of fees and student support arrangements for 2021-22 Erasmus years
Reducing regulatory burden: information and FAQs
Monthly bulletin of regulatory activity: August 2020 bulletin
Degree awarding powers: details of five Orders made by the OfS
Data and analysis
Young participation by area - updates: revised version of our postcode search function for young participation in higher education. This includes: the latest postcodes; updated maps of participation; and a new experimental measure which classifies young participation by local area.
Data amendment process: updated terms of reference and dates for amendment panel
Student numbers for 2018-19: revised higher education student numbers for providers registered with the OfS
Individualised Learner Record (ILR) webinars: questions and answers published for week six (fees and financial support)
2019-20 data checking tools: technical documentation for additional outputs:
• Individualised Learner Record (ILR) data checking tool
• HESA student data checking tool
• HESA student alternative data checking tool
Student wellbeing and protection
Prevent duty: change of circumstances guidance updated
Corporate
OfS key performance measures: targets for KPMs 2, 3, 4 and 5 added
OfS board: register of interests updated
Scheme of delegation: revised scheme published as well as Rules of procedure for OfS committees
How we are funded: summary of income and expenditure budgets for financial year 2020-21
Transparency: spending over £25,000 July 2020 data
TRAC (Transparent Approach to Costing) website
TRAC guidance - additional FAQs added
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News
University access improving, but big challenges remain – OfS chair
Office for Students highlights need for fairness for all students with centre assessed grades
Office for Students responds to A-level results
OfS appoints 10 new student panellists
Impact of coronavirus on projects supporting student mental health: sharing of emerging practice
Blog
Tackling harassment, hate and sexual misconduct on campus
Publications
Data collection to inform funding for 2021-22
Impact of coronavirus on OfS Mental Health Challenge Competition
Release of 2019-20 Office for Students data checking tools
Uni Connect programme: An update from the Office for Students - new letter for partnerships
Web updates
Coronavirus
Student guide: FAQ on confirming your university place for 2020-21
Provider guide: update to time-limited condition of registration FAQ
Mental health support: new online platform Student Space launched by Student Minds, part funded by the OfS
Regulation and the Register
Monthly bulletin of regulatory activity: July 2020 bulletin published
Access and participation
Postgraduate courses in artificial intelligence and data science: start dates for courses added
Fee limits: fee limits for 2021-22
Data and analysis
Data verification: 2019-20 data checking tools sample data verification queries
Data checking tools: 2019-20 technical documentation for:
- Individualised Learner Record (ILR) data checking tool
- HESA student data checking tool
- HESA student alternative data checking tool
Student numbers data: 2018-19 data updated
Corporate and general
Student panel: details of new panel members
Board papers: papers from the July 2020 meeting published
TRAC website
TRAC guidance for 2019-20 returns published
Events
Individualised Learner Record (ILR) training webinars: A series of webinars covering key data fields for higher education students in the ILR. Recordings, slides and questions and answers now available:
- Week one: Introduction, systems and processes
- Week two: The student and entry qualifications
- Week three: The course
- Week four: Student engagement part one
- Week five: Student engagement part two
- Week six: Fees and financial support.
Higher Education Students Early Statistics 2020-21 (HESES20) data return training webinars: We are holding a number of online training webinars on how to complete the HESES20 data return:
- Introduction to HESES20 and changes from HESES19: Monday 28 September 2020
- Categorising your students using HESES20 definitions: Wednesday 30 September 2020
- Identifying and counting students to be included in HESES20: Monday 5 October 2020
- Submission and verification of the HESES20 workbook: Wednesday 7 October 2020
- HESES20 workbook exercises: Monday 12 October 2020
- HESES20 workbook exercises: Wednesday 14 October 2020 (repeat session).
Read this month's digital monthly update
News
OfS proposes tougher measures to protect students if universities run into financial trouble
Lower A-level grades from unconditional offers lead to higher dropout rates, warns regulator
Student satisfaction stable as data continues to highlight need for clear communication
Briefing note published on higher education outreach during the pandemic
Registration decisions July 2020
Regulator bans controversial ‘conditional unconditional’ offers during pandemic
‘Three months to make a difference’ for disabled students
Blog
Innovating for learning
Dr Claire Gordon and Dr Colleen McKenna have written a blog post highlighting the benefits of student engagement in learning and teaching design.
The power of storytelling
Ben Hunt, Senior Officer in Student Information, Advice and Guidance at the Office for Students, reflects on three lessons (and five questions) from his three roles in higher education.
How the Office for Students is supporting LGBT+ students
OfS Senior Equality and Diversity Officer Josh Callander discusses our activities to support LGBT+ students and our future ambitions.
Our approach to publishing this year’s National Student Survey
Richard Puttock introduces this year’s NSS, explaining the steps taken to ensure its reliability.
Publications
Regulatory notice 5: Condition Z3 Temporary provisions for sector stability and integrity
Consultation on the integrity and stability of the English higher education sector: Analysis of responses and equality impact assessment
Consultation on student protection directions
Impact of coronavirus on OfS Mental Health Challenge Competition
Coronavirus briefing note: Supporting disadvantaged students through higher education outreach
National Student Survey 2020: Analysis of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic
Update on the Office for Students’ approach to regulation and information about deadlines for data returns
Final evaluation of programme for innovations in learning and teaching projects
Digital provision of information, advice, guidance (IAG) and outreach: list of third party providers delivering IAG and outreach during the pandemic
Data analysis of unconditional offers: Update
2019-20 data checking tools - forthcoming release of data checking tools for:
- 2019-20 Higher Education Statistics Agency Student data
- 2019-20 Higher Education Statistics Agency Student Alternative data
- the Education and Skills Funding Agency’s 2019-20 Individualised Learner Record.
Web updates
Protecting students if universities close: information for students about our new consultation on student protection directions
Coronavirus
Provider guide: information and FAQs about the new time-limited condition of registration
Student guide: FAQs on the time-limited condition of registration and new page on how to complain
New case studies on:
- supporting disabled students
- supporting LGBT+ students
- supporting black, Asian and minority ethnic students
- higher education outreach
- student mental health
Regulation and the Register
Monthly bulletin of regulatory activity: June 2020 bulletin
Accounts direction: clarification on the requirements of the accounts direction
Refused registration decisions: reasons for refusal published for four providers
Promoting equal opportunities
Effective practice: updated pages to show best available access and participation practice
Support for postgraduate research students: summary of a workshop on widening participation in postgraduate research
Funding for providers
Recurrent funding for 2019-20: update to Annex A reflecting further funding allocations
Recurrent funding for 2020-21: update to Annex A reflecting further funding allocations
Annual funding technical guidance and data: updated sector tables for 2019-20 and 2020-21
Provider payment dates: grant payment dates for academic year 2021-22
Data and analysis
Official statistics: updated Higher Education Students Early Statistics (HESES) and Higher Education in Further Education Student (HEIFES) survey data
Student numbers: updated 2018-19 and 2017-18 data
Analysis of Access to Higher Education Diplomas and integrated foundation year courses: publication and annex updated following a correction to the completion rates reported
Data checking tools: section updated with information on the 2019-20 data checking tools
Skills and employment
Improving outcomes for local graduates - new case studies
Student information and data
National Student Survey: 2020 results and data
Corporate
Key performance measures: KPM 10 (students responding positively to the NSS question on overall satisfaction) updated
Board papers: May 2020 board papers
OfS board: register of interests updated
Transparency - transparency data published for:
- spending over £25,000: June 2020
- procurement card spending over £500: June 2020
- senior staff travel and expenses: 2020-21 Q1.
Business impact target reporting: summary statement for non-qualifying regulatory provisions 21 June 2019 - 12 Dec 2019
Read this month's digital monthly update
News
Briefing note published on supporting disabled students during the pandemic
Supporting graduate employability during the pandemic
Supporting postgraduate research students during the pandemic
Briefing note published on supporting prospective students during pandemic
Be clear to students on how courses will be taught, regulator says
New funds to boost student mental health through pandemic
Office for Students responds to HESA graduate outcomes survey
Supporting Black, Asian and minority ethnic students – event video published
Office for Students responds to HEPI/Advance HE student survey
Applications open for OfS student panel
Apply now – new courses in artificial intelligence and data science
Care leavers more likely to drop out of university
Sir Michael Barber highlights achievements of OfS, as he agrees new digital role
Office for Students publishes annual report and accounts for 2019-20
Blog
Supporting Black, Asian and minority ethnic students during the coronavirus pandemic
Applicants and students need clarity about next year's provision
Publications
Coronavirus briefing notes -
- Graduate students: Getting into employment
- Information, advice and guidance for prospective students
- Postgraduate research students
- Disabled students
Update on the OfS’s approach to regulation and information about deadlines for data returns
Annual report and accounts 2019-20
Annual TRAC 2018-19: Sector summary and analysis by TRAC peer group
Differences in student outcomes: further characteristics
Letter from Sir Michael Barber, Chair of the Office for Students, to Robert Halfon MP, Chair of the Education Select Committee
Web updates
Coronavirus
New case studies for:
Supporting postgraduate research students
Information, advice and guidance
Coronavirus provider guide: funding for student mental health
Regulation and the Register
Regulatory activity: May 2020 bulletin
Student and consumer protection during the coronavirus pandemic: student page and provider FAQs
Data and analysis
Official statistics: section restructure and new ad hoc statistics release schedule
TRAC data: published data 2018-19
Student numbers: 2018-19 and 2017-18 data updated
Promoting equal opportunities
Supporting Black, Asian and minority ethnic students during the coronavirus pandemic: event recordings
Teaching
Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF): future of the TEF
Funding for providers
Postgraduate conversion courses in data science and artificial intelligence: information for prospective students
Student information and data
National Student Survey: update on 2020 results publication date
Corporate
OfS board: scheme of delegation updated
Student panel: apply to be on our student panel
Transparency: gifts and hospitality register 2019-20 updated
Transparency: data on spending over £25,000 and procurement card spending over £500 April 2020
Read this month's digital monthly update
News
Briefing note published on supporting international students during the pandemic
Briefing note published on needs of students without family support during pandemic
Office for Students response to Russell Group Pathways for Potential report
OfS announces decisions on 2020-21 teaching grant budget
OfS announces recurrent funding for 2020-21
Improved data resources provide more clarity on equality gaps
Publications
Coronavirus briefing note: international students
Coronavirus briefing note: students without family support
Payment of annual OfS registration fees 2020-21: Technical guidance for providers
Unistats 2020: timetable and arrangements for the submission and publication of data
Analysis of Level 6 and 7 apprenticeships
Consultation on the integrity and stability of the English higher education sector
Regulatory notice 1: Access and participation plan guidance - updated
Updates to information supporting access and participation plans
Implications of the coronavirus pandemic for OfS funding
Terms and conditions of funding for 2020-21
Funding for 2019-20 and 2020-21: OfS board decisions and outcomes of consultation
Prevent monitoring requirements during the coronavirus pandemic
National Student Survey 2020: Publication of data
Web updates
Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Provider guide to coronavirus: information on the time-limited condition of registration proposal
Coronavirus: case studies
Regulation and the Register
Regulatory activity: March and April 2020 bulletins
Data and analysis
Supplying data: COVID-19 exceptional guidance for the 2019-20 Individualised Learner Record and HESA collections
Access and participation data: dashboard and resources updated
Student numbers: 2017-18 and 2018-19 data updated
Post-collection outputs - student premium technical documents and method documents for:
Student information and data
Unistats collection and dataset: timetable for the 2020 data collection
Promoting equal opportunities
Postgraduate research students: how we support PGR students
Funding for providers
Recurrent funding: funding for 2020-21
Funding: recurrent grant 2020-21 technical guidance and sector tables
Corporate
Board papers: March 2020 board papers
OfS board: register of interests updated
Transparency data: data published for the following:
• Spending over £25,000: February and March 2020
• Senior staff travel and expenses: 2019-20 Q4
• Board members' expenses: April 2019 - March 2020
• Procurement card spending over £500: February and March 2020.
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News
Briefing note published on supporting student mental health during pandemic
Briefing note published on student accommodation during pandemic
Funding boost for students to work with business and communities
Funding boost for new courses in artificial intelligence and data science
Higher education regulator urges fairness for students in admissions
Maintain good courses and credible qualifications for students during pandemic, says regulator
Publications
Coronavirus briefing note: student accommodation
Coronavirus briefing note: supporting student mental health
Guidance for providers about quality and standards during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Moratorium on unconditional offer-making
Further extension to moratorium on unconditional offer-making
Coronavirus (COVID-19): update on support and information
Web updates
Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Coronavirus student guide: frequently asked questions updated
Coronavirus provider guide:
- information on unconditional offer-making updated
- information about funded projects monitoring changes
- frequently asked questions updated
- contacts updated
Funding for providers
Funding awarded for projects to explore the impact of student involvement in knowledge exchange
Data and analysis
Annual release of equality and diversity data about students
Student numbers: 2017-18 and 2018-19 data updated
Post-collection outputs:
- ILR technical documentation published
- HESA student technical documentation published
- HESA alternative provider technical documentation published
Data amendments: Updated panel schedule and dates for submitting amendments to the panel
Corporate updates
OfS key performance measures:
OfS business plan: update on 2020-21 business plan
Remuneration and Nominations Committee: register of interests updated
Read this month's digital newsletter
News
Office for Students sets out slimmed down regulatory requirements during coronavirus pandemic
The Office for Students has announced that it is refocusing its regulatory requirements on universities, colleges and other higher education providers to prioritise the response to the current coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Universities must pause unconditional offers for two weeks in student interest, says regulator
Nicola Dandridge responds to the announcement that universities should stop making unconditional offers or amending existing offers to students for two weeks.
OfS responds to further details on grading following cancelled exams
Nicola Dandridge has responded to the Secretary of State’s statement on arrangements for students whose exams have been cancelled.
New independent commission aims to boost support for disabled students
A new independent group formed to challenge universities and colleges in England to improve support for disabled students has met for the first time.
Registration decision
The Office for Students has refused the registration application of London Vocational College Limited following a rigorous process of assessment and evaluation.
New funding competition to support student mental health
A new £1 million funding competition has been launched by the Office for Students which aims to improve support for students with mental ill health.
OfS seeks views on approach to monetary penalties
The Office for Students has set out its proposed approach to the use of a monetary penalty where a university, college or other higher education provider is judged to have breached a condition of registration.
Blog
The Disabled Students’ Commission: transforming disabled students’ experience
Professor Geoff Layer, Chair of the DSC, has written a blog post exploring the work of the DSC and the key issues they'll address.
Around the world (of admissions) in 80 days
Yinbo Yu from the UK Council for International Student Affairs has written a blog post exploring international students' experiences of the English higher education admissions system.
A to Z of admissions
The Office for Students is reviewing the higher education admissions system in England and wants to hear your views. Hilary Jones explains why the OfS is undertaking this review and how you can get involved.
Student mental health: joining the (intersectional) dots
Chris Millward announces the launch of a new funding competition and discusses the need for intersectional approaches in targeting support for mental health among students.
Publications
Formula capital funding for 2020-21
This publication summarises our allocations of formula capital funding for the financial year 2020-21 (1 April 2020 to 31 March 2021).
Regulatory requirements during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
including guidance on reportable events
A letter with more detailed information about the regulatory requirements we have suspended and the specific information we need from providers.
Uni Connect programme: An update from the Office for Students
Next steps for Uni Connect partnerships during the coronavirus pandemic
Update from the Office for Students on coronavirus (COVID-19)
This letter shares our planned approach to coronavirus with providers. It also provides important updates on reporting requirements and consultations.
Funding competition: Using innovation and intersectional approaches to target mental health support for students
Please note: this competition is paused during the coronavirus pandemic.
Consultation on the Office for Students’ approach to monetary penalties
Please note: this consultation is paused during the coronavirus pandemic.
Web updates
Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic
Landing page collating guidance for providers and students
Provider guide to coronavirus: information for providers and questions and answers
Student guide to coronavirus: information for students and questions and answers
Our expectations of providers in terms of unconditional offer-making
Healthcare students in the coronavirus pandemic: guidance for medical, nursing and midwifery students
Letters from the Minister of State for Universities
Funding for providers
Annual funding: updated sector tables showing additional funding allocations for 2019-20
Recurrent funding for 2019-20: update to Annex A reflecting further funding allocations
Formula capital funding for 2019-20: update to Annex A reflecting further funding allocations
Mental health funding competition: information for bidders and frequently asked questions
Regulation and the Register
Refused registration decision: London Vocational College Limited
Monthly bulletin of regulatory activity: February 2020 bulletin
Student wellbeing and protection
Harassment and sexual misconduct consultation:
Data and analysis
Post-collection outputs: information on 2018-19 ILR, HESA and HESA AP post-collection outputs
Promoting equal opportunities
Disabled Students' Commission: group membership and secretariat
Corporate updates
Consultations: new page listing open and closed consultations
Gender pay gap: summary of gender pay gap data as at 31 March 2019
Transparency: January 2020 spending over £25,000 and procurement card spending over £500 data
Student panel: October 2019 meeting minutes
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News
Admissions review to ensure a ‘system which works for all students’
A major review poses fundamental questions for the future of higher education admissions.
Registration decisions
The Office for Students has refused the registration applications of Acculearn Training Limited, Blackpool College Limited and Kensington Education Foundation Limited following a rigorous process of assessment and evaluation.
OfS approach to disruption caused by industrial action
A reminder of our approach to the protection of students’ interests in the event of industrial action at universities and colleges.
Less than half of part-timers think feedback is acted on by staff, but overall student satisfaction consistently high
New analysis of National Student Survey data highlights variations in how different student groups have responded to the survey.
Office for Students urges students to help shape higher education regulation
The Office for Students has set out a new approach to ensuring that students help shape the regulation of higher education in England.
Office for Students responds to HESA statistics
Chris Millward, Director for Fair Access and Participation, comments on HESA's latest widening participation statistics.
Office for Students awards funding to support University Mental Health Charter
The Office for Students has announced £95,000 in funding awarded to Student Minds for the next stage of the recently launched University Mental Health Charter.
Universities and colleges show compliance with Prevent duty
A series of review meetings with selected universities and colleges has found evidence of higher education providers complying with requirements of the Prevent duty.
Blog
The evaluation challenge: understanding what works in access and participation
Two new reports add to a growing body of knowledge about the impact of access and participation activities and identify ways to overcome the challenges of evaluation.
The OfS is ramping up its student engagement work
Martha Longdon discusses the OfS's approach to student engagement and the launch of our new strategy.
Becoming a healthcare student in my forties
OfS-commissioned research made recommendations for promoting greater gender balance in nursing and healthcare courses. Rupert Maclaren, a student in diagnostic radiography tells his story.
Looking beyond: celebrating the value and diversity of apprenticeships
National Apprenticeship Week 2020 encourages us to ‘look beyond’ old preconceptions of apprenticeships. Dr Brooke Storer-Church discusses the increasing importance of degree apprenticeships to a diverse and inclusive higher education offer.
Publications
Consultation on the higher education admissions system in England
The Office for Students is reviewing the admissions system in English higher education. We would like to hear your views on the current system and on proposed future options.
Students - experts in their own experience
Our strategy for engaging students from 2020 to 2023.
The National Student Survey: Consistency, controversy and change
Our latest Insight brief looks at the last 15 years of the National Student Survey, and considers how the survey can maintain its relevance for the next decade.
Understanding the impact of the financial support evaluation toolkit: Analysis and findings
Findings from higher education providers who have used the toolkit.
Data use for access and participation in higher education
This report looks at how data is currently used in targeting, monitoring and evaluating access and participation work.
Prevent duty monitoring framework: Year one evaluation
This document sets out the findings and recommendations from an evaluation of the first year of implementation of the OfS’s strengthened and risk-based Prevent monitoring framework.
Prevent review meetings: 2019 programme findings
This report presents findings from the 2019 Prevent review meetings programme, split by theme.
Proposed changes to terms and conditions of funding for 2020-21
The Office for Students will be updating its terms and conditions of funding for 2020-21. We would like to hear your views on the proposed changes.
Web updates
Data and analysis
Student numbers: 2018-19 data published and 2017-18 data updated
HESES: HESES19 data released
Regulation and the Register
Refused registration decisions: Acculearn Training Limited, Blackpool College Limited and Kensington Education Foundation Limited
Monthly bulletin of regulatory activity: January 2020 bulletin
Student wellbeing and protection
Admissions review: short guide to the consultation
Student information and data
National Student Survey: routine update to 2019 NSS results
National Student Survey: sector-level characteristic analysis
Corporate updates
Board papers: papers from the 28 January 2020 board meeting
Quality Assessment Committee: register of interests updated
Miscellaneous
Student spotlight: new mailing list for students
Get involved as a student: how students can get involved in our work and why
Coronavirus: advice for higher education providers from the government
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News
Universities pledge to reduce equality gaps dramatically within five years
The access gap at England’s most selective universities will almost halve in the next five years if universities meet ambitious new commitments.
The Office for Students welcomes projected cut in ‘strings attached’ unconditional offers
The OfS responds to UCAS' End of Cycle 2019 report.
Health and education sectors can unlock recruitment potential by promoting gender balance in healthcare
New research encourages greater gender balance in nursing and healthcare.
Office for Students respond to HESA statistics
The Office for Students has commented on HESA's Higher Education Student Statistics for 2018-19.
Consultation on implementing savings to teaching grant budget
The Office for Students invites responses to its consultation on implementing savings in academic years 2019-20 and 2020-21.
Robust complaints procedures required for students reporting harassment and sexual assault
The Office for Students has published its proposed set of expectations on how universities and colleges should deal with reports of harassment and all forms of sexual misconduct.
Teaching grant budget for 2020-21 set out
The Secretary of State for Education has written to the Office for Students to set out details of the teaching grant budget for the financial year 2020-21.
Blog
Universities are in the business of transforming lives
Our most recent Insight event focused on mental health among students, and harassment and sexual misconduct in higher education. Head of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Amy Norton, reflects on the event.
British students’ secret weapon against sexual misconduct in higher education
One of the most influential people in the history of Title IX, the US anti-discrimination law, Dr Ann Olivarius discusses the Equality Act 2010.
Publications
Transforming opportunity in higher education
This report analyses access and participation plans submitted by higher education providers to the Office for Students for the period 2020-21 to 2024-25.
Male participation in nursing and allied health higher education courses
The Office for Students commissioned research to raise awareness of the study and career opportunities that nursing and allied health offer men.
OfS Challenge Competitions: bidding guidance
This guidance is for higher education providers submitting bids for funding under OfS Challenge Competitions.
Consultation on implementing savings in academic years 2019-20 and 2020-21
The government’s grant to the Office for Students to fund recurrent teaching in higher education providers is reducing by £58 million in financial year 2020 21. This publication sets out proposals for how we may make savings in our allocations to providers.
Forward look note to registered providers
This note gives an overview of key OfS activities and publications coming up between January and June 2020.
Consultation on harassment and sexual misconduct in higher education
Our proposals set out expectations for universities and colleges to follow and how the Office for Students will regulate harassment and sexual misconduct affecting students in higher education providers.
Regulatory advice 8: Guidance for providers about condition of registration F1: transparency information
This regulatory advice has been updated to help providers to prepare to meet our requirements in respect of the collection and publication of transparency information from 2019-20 onwards.
Guidance for providers on submitting the transparency return 2020
This technical guidance must be read in conjunction with Regulatory advice 8.
Web updates
Data and analysis
Young participation by area: postcode look-up now includes Northern Irish postcodes
Official statistics: 2019 medical and dental students survey intake results
Transparency return 2020: data collection tool updated
- spending over £25,000 - December 2019
- senior staff expenses 2019-20 - Q3
- procurement card spending over £500 - December 2019
Student numbers 2017-18: monthly update
Regulation and the Register
Monthly bulletin of regulatory activity: December 2019 bulletin
Promoting equal opportunities
Access and participation: 2020-21 access and participation plan data
Our approach to access and participation: the impact of our approach
Addressing Barriers to Student Success: new case studies from the University of Exeter and Kingston University
Student wellbeing and protection
Harassment and sexual misconduct consultation: provider guide and student guide
Value for money: new provider guide and student guide
Prevent duty: timeline of activity updated
Student information and data
Uni Connect: new website for students, parents, carers and teachers
Corporate updates
Guidance from government: letter from the Secretary of State on the teaching grant budget for 2020-21
Risk and Audit Committee: register of interests updated
KPMs: specification for KPM 13
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News
England’s universities world class, but pockets of poor provision letting students down
The Office for Students has launched its first annual review, offering a wide-ranging assessment of the higher education sector in England.
Blog
The Office for Students responds to ‘Social mobility and elite universities’
Chris Millward responds to HEPI's report on social mobility and elite universities.
Publications
English higher education 2019: The Office for Students annual review
This annual review sets out our assessment of the current state of English higher education, and reflects on the OfS’s progress to date in implementing a new regulatory approach which places students at its heart.
Regulatory advice 17: variation and revocation of degree awarding powers
This regulatory advice sets out guidance about how and under what circumstances the Office for Students (OfS) might vary or revoke a provider’s degree awarding powers (DAPs) authorisation.
This document sets out the information that we require from higher education providers that had an access agreement approved by the Office for Fair Access (OFFA) for 2018-19 and from providers that received student premium funding from the Office for Students for 2018-19.
Web updates
Skills and employment
Apprentices' stories - Holly's story
Data and analysis
Student numbers 2017-18: monthly update
Regulation and the Register
Monthly bulletin of regulatory activity: November 2019 bulletin
Promoting equal opportunities
NCOP phase two: learner population estimates
Corporate updates
Risk and Audit committee: register of interests updated
Remuneration and Nominations Committee: terms of reference updated
OfS board: board proceedings and code of conduct updated
- Procurement card spending over £500 - October 2019 and November 2019 data
- Spending over £25,000 - October 2019 and November 2019 data
UK Healthcare Education Advisory Committee: June 2019 minutes and advisory letters
2019
News
Students with unconditional offers more likely to drop out
New analysis reveals that young people who receive unconditional offers before getting their exam results are more likely to drop out in their first year of university.
Regulator requires action by 65 per cent of English universities and colleges in student interest
A new report from the Office for Students analyses over 500 applications to join the OfS Register.
Sustained collaborative engagement with young people boosts their confidence to progress to higher education
Sustained collaborative partnerships of universities, colleges, schools and local agencies are developing young people’s confidence in their ability to progress successfully into higher education.
Office for Students responds to the Equality and Human Rights Commission report on racial harassment
Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of the Office for Students, gives her response.
New guidance published for registered higher education providers
The Office for Students has published new guidance for all registered higher education providers.
Going to university almost halves disability job gap
Going to university almost halves the gaps in employment rates between disabled and non-disabled people, compared to those who only have GCSEs – although significant gaps remain – a new report from the Office for Students shows.
Office for Students publishes value for money strategy
The strategy builds on previous research by the OfS and identifies key priorities for ensuring value for money for both students and taxpayers.
£13 million in bid to boost digital skills
£13 million is being made available to boost the number of skilled graduates in artificial intelligence and data science technologies over the next three years.
New plans demonstrate greater ambition in tackling equality gaps
Over 100 universities and colleges have now had their ambitious new plans to tackle gaps between students from different backgrounds approved.
Blog
Sustained outreach makes the difference
Chris Millward discusses the impact that the National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP) is having, and looks at the next steps for the programme.
Tackling incidents of hate, harassment and sexual misconduct in higher education
Nicola Dandridge discusses the devastating impact that harassment, hate crime, and sexual misconduct can have on students, and the OfS’s role in driving improved prevention and support.
Virtuous circles: developing AI and data science courses to meet the needs of employers, students, and universities
The Office for Students has launched a competition to boost the numbers of artificial intelligence and data science graduates. Bill Mitchell emphasises the centrality of employer engagement and a credible student proposition to the design of course curricula.
Next steps for the National Student Survey
As the National Student Survey approaches its 15th year, there are plans for taking an in-depth look at its impact to date and outlining proposals for the biggest overhaul since its introduction.
A disabled student’s insight: Contextualising statistics
Statistics and analysis are important tools in helping us work towards equity in education and equality of opportunity for disabled students. It’s also vital we understand and listen to their lived experiences.
What value for whose money?
Student fees and public money fund higher education providers, but what should students and taxpayers get in return?
Supporting disabled students to succeed
Following the launch of a campaign to recruit members for the Disabled Students' Commission, Chris Millward explains the background to the new body, what it will do, and why it is needed.
Future proofing UK business for a digital future: how flexible learning can help close the digital skills gap
There is little doubt that technology is developing faster than the UK workforce is able to adapt to it. Josie Fraser of the Open University argues that a new approach to employee training and development is required.
Publications
We've published three reports exploring the impact and perceptions of the National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP):
- NCOP: Two years on
- NCOP: end of phase one report for the national formative and impact evaluations
- Perceptions of higher education outreach and access activity
OfS registration process and outcomes 2019-20: key themes and analysis
We have published a sector-level analysis of the registration process and outcomes in the Office for Students’ first year of operation.
Data analysis of unconditional offers: Update
Our analysis of whether applicants placed through an unconditional offer are more or less likely to continue with their studies after the first year.
The National Student Survey 2020
This publication sets out the arrangements for the National Student Survey (NSS) 2020 and the action required from all participating universities, colleges and other higher education providers by 28 November 2019.
Regulatory advice 9: Accounts direction
This accounts direction sets out the information that providers are required to include in their audited financial statements. It applies to financial statements prepared by registered providers for accounting periods beginning on or after 1 August 2019.
Compliance with the 2017-18 accounts direction
Observations, compliance and areas for improvement
Regulatory advice 14: Guidance for providers for the annual financial return
This regulatory advice and guidance sets out the information that a provider is required to submit as part of its annual financial return to the Office for Students (OfS).
Regulatory advice 15: Monitoring and intervention
This guidance document provides further information for registered providers on monitoring and intervention.
Regulatory advice 16: Reportable events
This guidance document provides further information for registered providers on reportable events.
Beyond the bare minimum: Are universities and colleges doing enough for disabled students?
Our new Insight brief highlights the potentially life-changing impact of higher education for disabled people. It challenges universities to go above and beyond ‘reasonable adjustments’ to lead the way on creating a more inclusive society.
Value for money strategy, 2019 to 2021
The strategy sets out how the OfS will ensure higher education providers deliver value for money for both students and taxpayers.
Funding allocations updated for a small number of providers:
- Formula capital funding for 2019-20 - Annex A updated
- Recurrent funding for 2019-20 - Annex A updated
Artificial intelligence and data science postgraduate conversion course funding
This document provides guidance to providers on bidding for funding to develop postgraduate conversion courses in artificial intelligence and data science.
Web updates
Promoting equal opportunities
NCOP: new case studies in word
NCOP: new case studies in film
Access and participation
Access and participation plans: 68 plans published
Fee limits: accelerated degrees
Data and analysis
HESES19 supporting documents: completing the HESES19 workbook, appendices and sample tables
HESES19 training materials: playlist of guidance videos
HESA alternative provider student data checking tool: HESES18B comparison FTE estimation technical document and rebuild instructions
Student numbers 2017-18: monthly update
Skills and employment
Postgraduate conversion courses in artificial intelligence and data science: how to apply for funding, FAQs and resources
Funding for providers
UK Healthcare Education Advisory Committee (UKHEAC): membership updated
Annual funding: 2019-20 sector tables update
Knowledge exchange
Knowledge exchange funding competition open forum: slides from the event
About the OfS
Board papers: September 2019 board papers
Transparency: gifts and hospitality data - April 2019 - September 2019
A full list of what we published in September is below.
News
Highly selective universities must follow through on promises to improve access, regulator warns
Universities with the some of the highest entry requirements, including Oxford and Cambridge, have published ambitious new plans to improve access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Parents need more support to help their children make good decisions about university
New polling highlights common misconceptions held by parents of children who are currently making decisions about higher education.
Registration decision
The Office for Students has refused the registration application of Newham College of Further Education, following a rigorous process of assessment and evaluation.
Office for Students publishes data on changes in healthcare student numbers
The data breaks down the numbers of students starting nursing, midwifery, and allied health courses from 2016-17 to 2017-18.
Office for Students responds to HEPI report on racial inequalities
The Office for Students has responded to the Higher Education Policy Institute's report.
Better data can help close equality gaps
New experimental statistics on interactions between demographic characteristics could offer important insights on equality of opportunity for different groups of students.
Engaging students in knowledge exchange: £10 million ‘what works’ competition
Universities and Science Minister Chris Skidmore has announced a £10 million competition to help boost the benefits to students of getting involved in knowledge exchange activities.
Blog
Student engagement – you might not notice it, but it matters
OfS student panellist Sam Dedman discusses what student engagement is and how students can make an impact at a national level by taking part in our student engagement survey.
Putting student experiences at the forefront of higher education regulation
Cassie Agbehenu, our Student Engagement Manager, reflects on the development of the OfS's student engagement strategy.
The importance of information – a cautionary tale
Emma Maskell, our Head of Student Engagement and Information, reflects on her own, less-than-exemplary information experiences as a student and teacher.
The Office for Students’ new regulatory order
Susan Lapworth, our Director of Competition and Registration, describes arrangements for students at providers who have applied for registration but do not yet have a final decision.
Making a positive difference: Mature students and health education
Mature students are turning away from nursing and specialist healthcare courses. Ed Hughes discusses how we need to work together to make sure they're supported.
Publications
Higher Education Students Early Statistics survey 2019-20 (HESES19)
This document provides guidance on funding rules and definitions for the Higher Education Students Early Statistics (HESES) survey 2019-20, known as HESES19.
Forward look note to registered providers
An overview of OfS events, publications and data submission deadlines over the next six to eight months.
Medical and Dental Students survey 2019
The Medical and Dental Students survey 2019 (MDS19) asks higher education providers in the UK to provide data on the intake of medical and dental students in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 academic years.
Other web updates
Data and analysis
Associations between characteristics of students (ABCS): experimental statistics and methodology
Changes in healthcare student numbers: analysis and interactive charts
Student numbers 2017-18: monthly update
Regulation and the Register
Guidance from government: supplementary guidance to the OfS
Monthly bulletin of regulatory activity: August 2019 bulletin
Refused registration decisions: Newham College
Student information and data
Discover Uni: new student information website
Unistats data: guide for providers updated
National Student Survey: frequently asked questions updated
Unistats widget: updated guidance for linking to Discover Uni
Disabled Students' Commission: information on the new strategic group
Student wellbeing and protection
Prevent: accountability and data returns 2019 - guidance and FAQs
Teaching
TEF: Year Four workbooks and maps updated
Corporate updates
Deadlines, events and publications: upcoming OfS activities between September 2019 and April 2020
Transparency data: spending over £25,000 - August 2019
Transparency data: senior staff expenses 2019-20, Q1 data
OfS board: register of interests updated
Quality Assessment Committee: register of interests updated
A full list of what we published in August is below.
News
OfS responds to CMA statement on student debt sanctions
The Office for Students has welcomed the announcement from the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) that the University of Liverpool has changed its student debt penalty policy.
Students at the heart of our work
The OfS is inviting anyone with an interest in higher education to share their ideas on how we should engage students in our work.
Degree apprentices are positive about their career prospects, according to new exploratory research
New research looks at degree apprentices’ motivations for following the alternative route through higher education.
New team to help outreach partnerships find out what works
The OfS is funding a team to help universities and colleges around the country generate stronger evidence of the impact of their work to reach out to disadvantaged young people.
OfS receives full powers
The Office for Students' full powers came into force on 1 August.
Blog
Discovering Uni: planning your higher education journey
Emma Maskell, Head of Student Engagement and Information at the OfS, talks about our new student information website.
Motivating factors
Dr Brooke Storer-Church, Skills and Employability Manager at the OfS, discusses a new report on the motivations of degree apprentices.
Publications
Degree apprenticeships: Motivations research
Data collection to inform funding for 2020-21: Responses to feedback and confirmation of approach
Regulatory advice 8: Guidance for providers about condition of registration F1: transparency information (2018.52)
- updated to reflect minor changes
Updates to web pages
Data and analysis
Data verification: sample data verification queries
ILR training webinar: questions and answers
ILR data checking tool: technical guidance released
HESA student data checking tool: technical guidance released
HESA alternative provider data checking tool: technical guidance released
Student numbers 2017-18: monthly update
Official statistics: statistics release schedule updated
HESES: seminar days - how to complete HESES tables for 2019-20:
• Tuesday 10 September 2019 - London
• Tuesday 1 October 2019 - London
• Tuesday 8 October 2019 - Manchester
Regulation and the Register
Refused registration decisions: Spurgeon's College
Monthly bulletin of regulatory activity: July 2019 bulletin
Degree awarding powers: orders made by the OfS
About the OfS
Get involved: how should the OfS engage students in its work?
Our board and committees: scheme of delegation updated
OfS Directors: register of interests updated
Income and expenditure budgets: income and expenditure budgets for financial year 2019-20
Access and participation
Access and participation effective practice: supporting people with criminal convictions
Access and participation plans: fee limits for 2020-21
Student wellbeing and protection
Prevent: recording of accountability and data return evaluation webinar
Student information
Unistats: changes to the Unistats dataset and the replacement of the Unistats widget
Skills and employment
Events: Developing new conversion courses in data science and artificial intelligence
Other related updates
Charity Commission: updated guidance about exempt charities.
A full list of what we published in July is below.
News
Student satisfaction rises but universities should do more to improve feedback
Students in the UK are more satisfied with their courses, according to this year’s National Student Survey (NSS). However, many universities and colleges still have plenty of room to improve.
OfS Annual report and accounts 2018-19
The Office for Students has published its 2018-19 annual report and accounts.
Statement on De Montfort University investigation
OfS statement on the formal investigation into matters at De Montfort University.
Office for Students responds to higher technical qualifications review
The OfS responds to the Secretary of State for Education’s announcement of a review of Level 4 and 5 qualifications.
New member applications open for UK Healthcare Education Advisory Committee
The OfS is seeking exceptional individuals with the expertise and vision to contribute to the development of healthcare education and research across the UK.
New OfS analysis shows continuing upward trend in award of top degrees
The Office for Students has updated its analysis on degree classifications, and finds that 13.9 percentage points of first class degrees awarded are unexplained.
Registration decisions
The Office for Students has refused the registration applications of ABI College Limited and Waltham Forest College, following a rigorous process of assessment and evaluation.
Blog
Getting to grips with grade inflation
Our director of competition and registration, Susan Lapworth, sets out the findings from our new report on degree classifications.
The Spice Girls are back and so is the NSS
Benjamin Hunt, student engagement adviser at the Office for Students, talks about the positive impact the National Student Survey can have on campus.
Publications
Annual report and accounts 2018-19
The report covers the OfS’s first year of operation, and our progress to date in delivering against our regulatory objectives.
Financial and student number data collection
Seeking views on the collection of data from registered providers.
Data collection to inform funding for 2020-21: Notification of changes
This document provides notification of changes that we intend to make to the collection of data to inform funding for 2020-21.
Analysis of degree classifications over time
Changes in graduate attainment from 2010-11 to 2017-18.
Findings of student learning gain research:
• Independent evaluation of the OfS’s learning gain pilot projects
• Independent research into the National Mixed Methodology Learning Gain project (NMMLGP)
• Higher Education Learning Gain Analysis (HELGA)
2018-19 data checking tools
This document notifies providers of the forthcoming release of the Office for Students data checking tools.
Updates to web pages
Data and analysis
Official statistics: update to the access and participation dataset
Key performance measures: KPM 10 (students responding positively to the NSS question on overall satisfaction) updated
HEIFES18: frequently asked questions
HESES18: frequently asked questions
Student numbers: updated data
ILR training webinar: recording and slides
Regulation
Monthly bulletin of regulatory activity: June 2019 bulletin
Access and participation
Effective practice: new guidance on student engagement and consultation
Skills and employment: note exploring links between access and participation and civic university agreements
About the OfS
Board papers: July 2019 board papers
Our board and committees: scheme of delegation updated
Remuneration and Nominations Committee: new independent member and register of interests
Provider Risk Committee: updated terms of reference
Transparency: business impact target reporting - summary statements
Transparency data: OfS spending over £25k - June 2019
Student information and data
Unistats: New training webinars for further education colleges
Funding and funded projects
Supporting mental health and wellbeing for postgraduate research students: details of funded projects
UK Healthcare Education Advisory Committee (UKHEAC): March 2019 minutes and advisory letters
Medical and dental target intakes: targets for 2019-20
Other related updates
TRAC: guidance for 2018-19 returns
Charity Commission: Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) setting out an agreement of the relationship between the Charity Commission and the Office for Students
Government guidance on leaving the EU:
The government has updated its guidance to help the higher education sector prepare in the event of no deal being reached
A full list of what we published in June is below.
News
Innovation, partnership and data can help improve student mental health in new £14m drive
The scheme is designed to spark a step-change in mental health support across the sector.
‘Welcome progress’ but more to do to tackle hate crime and sexual harassment on campus
Universities must build on recent progress to ensure that all students can feel and be safe on campus.
Nicola Dandridge: fair access and good outcomes are not a zero sum game
Our chief executive, Nicola Dandridge writes for The Times.
Office for Students announces results of TEF 2019
This year’s TEF results have been published – focusing on excellence in teaching and student outcomes across higher education.
Monitoring report finds high compliance with Prevent duty
Evaluation of 2017-18 reports show universities and colleges are demonstrating due regard to the Prevent duty.
Virtual reality tool leads new drive to train next generation of health specialists
The tool is one of several innovative projects awarded funding by the Office for Students.
Blog
Student mental health: now is the time for change
PhD student Katie Tyrrell, a member of the OfS mental health Challenge Competition panel, talks about her personal and academic experience of mental ill-health.
Publications
OfS fees: Payment of annual OfS registration fees and initial fees: Technical guidance for providers (OfS 2019.23).
Evaluation of student safeguarding projects: Catalyst for change: Protecting students from hate crime, sexual violence and online harassment in higher education
Two independent evaluation reports from Advance HE and our summary of the progress made (OfS 2019.24).
Prevent evaluation report: Prevent monitoring accountability and data returns 2017-18: Evaluation report (OfS 2019.22).
National Collaborative Outreach Programme: Phase two guidance (OfS 2019.25)
Official statistics
Updated HESES/HEIFES survey data
Update to the access and participation dataset
Other web updates
Access and participation effective practice: new guidance on -
Access and participation: glossary
Conference on protecting students from hate crime and harassment: conference materials
Monthly bulletin of regulatory activity: May 2019 bulletin
National Student Survey 2018: new data visualisations
OfS Challenge Competition - achieving a step change in mental health outcomes for all students: details of funded projects
OfS student panel: minutes from the December 2018 meeting and updated terms of reference
Quality Assessment Committee: register of interests updated
Strategic Interventions in Health Education Disciplines (SIHED) challenge fund: second round of funded projects
Student numbers: updated data
Student safety and wellbeing: resources developed from the first two rounds of student safeguarding Catalyst funding
Supplementary guidance to the OfS from the Secretary of State for Education: guidance on the government’s priorities for our work
Transparency data:
Transparency return 2019: Attainment technical document
A full list of what we published in May is below.
News
OfS announces initial recurrent grants to providers for 2019-20
The Office for Students is funding higher education providers for teaching, outreach and to enable students to succeed.
No place like home – new fund to boost local graduate opportunities
The Office for Students has awarded £5.6 million to projects based in universities and colleges across England to boost opportunities for graduates who seek work close to home.
Radical changes needed to ensure university admissions identify potential, not just exam results
Young people from more advantaged neighbourhoods are still nearly six times more likely to attend the most selective universities in England despite a significant growth in the use of contextual offers.
Blog
In praise of POLAR
POLAR is, and will continue to be, a powerful tool in the drive for fairer access, argues OfS principal analyst Maggie Smart.
The graduate employment paradox – and how thinking locally might unlock it
Charlie Ball, from the Higher Education Careers Services Unit, explains the effects of prevailing assumptions about students.
Building a ‘no excuses’ fair access culture: A personal and professional journey
Dr Kedra Bishop explains the University of Michigan's approach to access and participation.
Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not
The OfS's inaugural Insight event focused on access and participation, with experts drawn from a range of backgrounds sharing their expertise. OfS Director for Fair Access and Participation Chris Millward reflects on the day.
Publications
Insight brief: Contextual admissions: Promoting fairness and rethinking merit
Funding for providers: Guide to funding 2019-20 (OfS 2019.18)
Funding for providers: Recurrent funding for 2019-20 (OfS 2019.17)
Initial allocations of recurrent funding to higher education providers
Annual TRAC 2017-18: Sector summary and analysis by TRAC peer group (OfS 2019.21)
Also see: Annual TRAC 2017-18: Sector summary and analysis by TRAC peer group
Unistats 2019: Timetable and arrangements for the submission and publication of data (OfS 2019.19)
Preparing for degree study: Analysis of Access to Higher Education Diplomas and integrated foundation year courses (OfS 2019.20)
Updated guidance: Submitting the transparency return 2019 - updated to clarify that only UK-domiciled students should be included in the transparency return
Official statistics
Equality and diversity statistics
Access and participation: Updated dataset
Annual TRAC 2017-18: Sector summary and analysis by TRAC peer group
Also see: Analysis of TRAC 2017-18 sector aggregate data
OfS key performance measures: KPMs 1 and 2 updated
Other web updates
OfS Challenge Competition: Industrial Strategy and skills - Details of funded projects
Transparency return 2019: Data collection tool - compiles the aggregate data that providers are required to submit. Plus FAQs.
Data amendments: Updated information, including terms of reference and panel schedule
Annual TRAC data 2016-17: Analysis by TRAC peer group - revised statistics
Recurrent funding: Funding for 2019-20
Post-collection outputs: Updated technical documentation published for - ILR, HESA, HESA AP
Conditions of registration: Monitoring of registered providers
Data and analysis: Benchmarking - current approach, methodology and guiding principles
Unistats: Timetable for the 2019 Unistats data collection
Transparency: April's data on spending >25k
A full list of what we published in April is below.
News
Higher education in England is in reasonable financial health but universities and colleges should avoid over-ambitious student number forecasts in their future planning, the OfS warns in a new report.
Consultation on Quality Assurance Agency fees
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) has published a consultation on the fees it will charge in its capacity as the designated quality body.
New guidance on university title applications
The Office for Students has published guidance setting out the process for English higher education providers that wish to use either ‘university college’ or ‘university’ title as part of their name.
Publications
Financial health: Financial sustainability of higher education providers in England (OfS 2019.14)
Independent research: Evaluation of a scheme to develop pilot engineering and computing conversion masters' courses
Regulatory advice 13: How to apply for university college and university title (OfS 2019.08)
Student information: Summary of OfS strategy on student information, advice and guidance (OfS 2019.15)
What we do: OfS Business plan 2019-20 (OfS 2019.16)
Official statistics
Access and participation: Update to dataset
HESES and HEIFES survey data: Update for 2018-19 academic year
Student numbers 2017-18: Data on the number of full-time equivalent higher education students at registered providers
Continuation and transfer rates: Latest data and findings on the study activity of full-time undergraduate students
Other updates
Prevent duty - Prevent review meetings: Webinar video - what to expect under PRM programme
Regulation: University title or university college title - information updated
Data: Post-collection outputs
• Data from Individualised Learner Record (ILR) returns
• Data from HESA student returns
Access and participation plans: 2020-21 webinar videos
- Support for small, specialist and new providers
- Target setting
- Evaluation
- Assessment of performance
Access and participation plans: Frequently asked questions updated
POLAR: Frequently asked questions created
OfS national conference on learning gain: Download conference materials
Board papers: 26 March 2019 meeting
Transparency:
Request to access your personal information: Updated Personal data request form
A full list of what we published in March is below.
News
Supporting students to succeed: OfS allocates £1.4 billion for 2019-20
The Office for Students is funding higher education providers for teaching, outreach and student success.
New data reveals university performance on access and student success
The new data shows where the gaps between the most and least advantaged groups of students lie.
Office for Students comments on latest HESA non-continuation data
The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) has released data on how many students continue their courses.
Make degree apprenticeships a force for social mobility, says the Office for Students
Degree apprenticeships are growing significantly and offer a route to increased social mobility, but more work is needed to realise their potential.
Office for Students responds to HEPI policy note on the financial health of universities
The Office for Students responds to a new survey of student attitudes to the financial health of their university.
Blog
Evidence for impact on access and participation
We've issued our first guidance under our new approach to access and participation, setting out how we expect higher education providers to make a step change through the targets they set themselves and the activities they deliver.
Mental wellbeing: let’s find new ways to support students
When we talk with students about the issues that worry them most, mental health consistently tops the list.
Publications
Insight brief: Degree apprenticeships: A viable alternative?
National Student Survey: Publication of NSS 2019 data (OfS 2019.09)
Funding for 2019-20: Formula capital funding (OfS 2019.13)
Funding for 2019-20: Terms and conditions of funding (OfS 2019.12)
Funding for 2019-20: Outcomes of consultation on terms, conditions and methods (OfS 2019.10)
Funding for 2019-20: OfS board decisions (OfS 2019.11)
Transparency condition: Guidance for providers on submitting the transparency return 2019
Independent research: Research on recruitment of mature students to nursing, midwifery and allied health courses
Independent research: Understanding effective part-time provision for undergraduates from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds
Official statistics
Access and participation data dashboard
Update to OfS key performance measures:
- KPM 3: Gap in non-continuation between most and least represented groups to include entrants to academic year 2016-17
- KPM 4: Gap in degree outcomes (1sts or 2:1s) between white students and black students to include graduates in the academic year 2017-18
- KPM 5: Gap in degree outcomes (1sts or 2:1s) between disabled students and non-disabled students to include graduates in the academic year 2017-18
- KPM 18: Students achieving 1sts to include graduates in the academic year 2017-18
Other updates
Student wellbeing and protection: Mental health information including resources
National Collaborative Outreach Programme: Two new case studies published
Financial sustainability: Report on understanding the impact of income cross-flows
Calculating student numbers: Overview of method and technical document updated
Transparency: Spending data, February 2019
A full list of what we published in February is below.
News
New ‘What Works’ centre to help universities cut equality gaps
A new independent centre funded by the Office for Students (OfS) is set to help universities meet challenging targets to eliminate equality gaps in higher education within 20 years.
OfS appoints new student panellists
Five new students will join our student panel for 2019.
OfS publishes first annual analysis of senior staff pay
Newly published data and analysis around senior pay can act as a benchmark, helping universities to reduce senior pay where necessary.
OfS comments on HESA widening participation performance indicators
HESA has released measures of how the UK higher education sector is performing.
New members sought for UK Healthcare Education Advisory Committee
The UK Healthcare Education Advisory Committee (UKHEAC) is looking for new members with the expertise and vision to contribute to the development of healthcare education and research across the UK.
Government guidance on leaving the EU
The government has published guidance to help the higher education sector prepare in the event of no deal being reached.
Publications
Independent research: Understanding and overcoming the challenges of ethnicity targeting
National Collaborative Outreach Programme: Call for proposals to deliver phase two of the programme in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire (OfS 2019.01)
Funding for 2019-20: Consultation on terms and conditions and method (OfS 2019.02)
Regulatory notice 1: Access and participation plan guidance (OfS 2019.05)
Regulatory advice 6: How to prepare your access and participation plan - effective advice (OfS 2019.06)
Independent research: Standards of evidence and evaluating impact of outreach
Other updates
OfS board: Papers from meeting on 28 January 2019
HESES and HEIFES: Release of survey data relating to academic year 2018-19
Addressing barriers to student success: Case study from University of Leeds
Official statistics release: Senior staff remuneration
A full list of what we published in January is below.
News
Universities must avoid using unconditional offers to put pressure on students, says Office for Students
The Office for Students has warned universities and other higher education providers that indiscriminate use of unconditional offers is akin to pressure selling and could put them in breach of consumer law.
Independent reviewer of TEF asks for views
Dame Shirley Pearce, who is leading the independent review of the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework (TEF), has invited views from all with an interest in the TEF.
We invited applications to our student panel
The panel advises the OfS, and ensures that students’ interests are reflected in everything we do.
Publications
Unconditional offers: Serving the interests of students?
The steep rise in the numbers of unconditional offers made by universities and colleges to students applying to study with them has come under the spotlight in recent months amid concerns that it is having a negative impact on students.
Release of intake numbers from medical and dental survey (Official statistics)
Analysis of degree classifications over time (OfS 2018.54): Overview of populations added as supplementary information
Other updates
TEF Year Four: Metrics and contextual data published (Official statistics)
TEF Year Four: Data now includes participants from devolved administrations (Official statistics)
Data amendments: Error summary sheet for aggregate data updated
Regulatory notice diagrams: Visual summaries added for Regulatory notice 3 and Regulatory notice 4
Transparency: Data published for December 2018 (spending over £25,000)
Student panel: Meeting minutes published
Data amendment panel: Dates added for error submission and meeting of next panel
TEF Year Four: Training video added for provider submissions
Addressing barriers to student success: Case study from New College Durham
A full list of what we published in December is below.
News
Office for Students: universities must eliminate equality gaps
The Office for Students has challenged all universities to eliminate the gaps in access and student success within 20 years.
Office for Students calls for ideas to support innovation in healthcare education
The Office for Students is inviting funding bids from universities and colleges for innovative projects which will support and enhance provision in nursing, midwifery and allied health subjects.
Office for Students responds to UCAS end of cycle report
Chris Millward comments on slow progress in narrowing gaps in access to higher education.
Office for Students responds to Sutton Trust report: Access to advantage
Chris Millward responds to new research on gaps in equality of opportunity.
Blog
Student representation and engagement is one of the most important, and most unique, concepts that we work with.
Publications
Analysis of degree classifications over time: Changes in graduate attainment (OfS 2018.54)
A new approach to regulating access and participation in English higher education: Consultation outcomes (OfS 2018.53)
Understanding the evaluation of access and participation outreach interventions for under-16-year-olds (Independent research)
Regulatory Advice 8: Guidance for providers about condition of registration F1: transparency information (OfS 2018.52)
Other updates
Our new approach to access and participation: Our approach and ambitions
Outreach interventions for under-16s: New guidance and development tool
Complaints and notifications: Process has been updated
Official statistics: HESES and HEIFES survey data relating to academic year 2018-19 will be released on 5 February 2019
NSS: Evaluating the updated survey
Data checking tools: Future releases page added
TEF Years Two and Three: Updates to TEF outcomes – merger added
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