Subcontracting or validating higher education
These pages explain the difference between subcontractual and validation arrangements, how they work in higher education and the regulations that affected providers must meet.
Subcontracting
A subcontractual arrangement (or partnership) in higher education is where a student registers with a lead provider, but a separate provider (‘franchise provider’ or ‘delivery partner’) delivers the teaching under a subcontract.
Under these arrangements:
- lead providers must meet our regulatory requirements
- franchise providers with 300 or more students must submit an application to register with the OfS by 1 July 2026, if they wish to retain access to student finance while their application is being considered.
Validating
Validation is where an established body with the power to award degrees (for example, a university) approves or validates the courses that another institution offers.
This is to make sure that the validated course meets the right quality and standards.
Any provider entering a validation arrangement must meet all the relevant regulatory requirements and manage associated risks effectively.
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