Consultation on proposals to change how the Office for Students regulates further education colleges in England
Published 02 December 2025
Documents referred to in this consultation
Securing student success: Regulatory framework for higher education in England
This publication sets out the OfS’s approach to regulation of English higher education providers.
Regulatory advice 3: How to register with the Office for Students
This publication sets out the guidance to providers that make an application for registration with the OfS.
Regulatory notice 7: Application requirements notice
This publication sets out the application requirements for an OfS registration application.
Regulatory advice 12: How to apply for degree awarding powers
This publication sets out guidance for existing and new providers of higher education in England that wish to apply to the OfS for authorisation to use DAPs.
Regulatory advice 14: Guidance for providers for the Annual Financial Return
This publication sets out guidance about the information that a provider is required to submit as part of its financial monitoring returns to the OfS.
The OfS strategy 2025 to 2030
This publication sets out the OfS’s new strategy for 2025 to 2030.
Consultation on new requirements for the oversight of subcontractual arrangements in English higher education
This publication sets out the OfS’s proposals to implement new requirements for English higher education providers relating to subcontractual provision.
Insight brief: Protecting the interests of students when universities and colleges close
This publication sets out how the OfS works with a university or college when it closes with the aim of reducing the impact on students.
Fit for the future: higher education regulation towards 2035
This publication outlines the findings and recommendations for the independent review of the OfS.
Investigation into student finance for study at franchised higher education providers
This publication is a report of the National Audit Office which sets out where franchised providers sit within the higher education regulatory framework; outlines the risks to public funds; and makes recommendations to strengthen assurance.
Strengthening oversight of partnership delivery in higher education – Government consultation January 2025
This publication sets out the government’s proposals to strengthen oversight of subcontracted delivery of higher education, also known as franchising.
Further education bodies: insolvency guidance
This publication sets out guidance for governors on the insolvency regime for further education and sixth-form colleges.
Secretary of State for Education statutory intervention powers for the further education sector
This publication sets out guidance on the powers the Secretary of State for Education can use to intervene in further education providers.
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