Consultation on the future approach to quality regulation

About this consultation

The Office for Students (OfS) is proposing to change the way it regulates and assesses the quality of higher education in the regulated English higher education sector. This consultation sets out the background to our proposals, the reasons we are proposing to make these changes and what we expect those changes to achieve.

This consultation sets out proposals for the aims and approach of the OfS’s future quality system. It sets out proposals on:

1. Modifications to the overall quality system.
2. Modifications to the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF).

Who should respond?

We welcome the views of all types and size of higher education provider, especially those that have not previously participated in the TEF.

We are interested in hearing from students, staff, academics and leaders at higher education providers that will be engaging in the new arrangements resulting from this consultation.

We are also interested in the views of further education colleges, employers, third sector organisations, policy bodies, and others with an interest in understanding and promoting quality in higher education.

How to respond

Please respond by 11 December 2025.

Please use the online response form. 

How we will treat your response

We will summarise or publish the responses to this consultation on the OfS website (and in alternative formats on request). This may include a list of the providers and organisations that respond, but not personal data such as individuals’ names, addresses or other contact details.

If you want the information that you provide to be treated as confidential, please tell us but be aware that we cannot guarantee confidentiality in all circumstances. An automatic confidentiality disclaimer generated by your IT system will not be regarded by us as a confidentiality request.

The OfS will process any personal data received in accordance with all applicable data protection laws (see our privacy policy).¹

We may need to disclose or publish information that you provide in the performance of our functions, or disclose it to other organisations for the purposes of their functions. Information (including personal data) may also need to be disclosed in accordance with UK legislation (such as the Freedom of Information Act 2000, Data Protection Act 2018 and Environmental Information Regulations 2004).

Next steps

We will publish a summary of responses to this consultation in spring 2026. We will explain how and why we have arrived at our decisions, and how we have addressed any concerns raised by respondents. We will then consult on more detailed proposals for the future system in autumn 2026.

Enquiries

Email [email protected]

Alternatively, call our public enquiry line on 0117 931 7317.

We are holding a series of consultation events in October and November 2025. These events will provide an opportunity for you to find out about the proposals and ask any questions you may have to support you to give feedback. More information about the events and how to register can be found on our events page. 

If you require this document in an alternative format, or you need assistance with the online form, contact [email protected]. (Please note: this email address should not be used for submitting your consultation response.)

¹ Available at the OfS privacy webpage.