Proposals for a new approach to consumer and student protection

About this consultation

The Office for Students (OfS) is proposing a new approach to consumer and student protection in English higher education.

This consultation sets out the background to our proposals, the reasons we are proposing to make changes and what we expect those changes to achieve.

Who should respond?

Anyone with an interest in consumer and student protection in English higher education.

We are particularly (but not only) interested in hearing from students, staff (including academic staff) and leaders at higher education providers. We welcome the views of all types and sizes of provider.

We are interested in the views of other bodies with an interest in consumer and student protection.

How to respond

Please respond by 9 July 2026.

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 autumn 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 set out next steps in the policy and implementation process.

Enquiries

Email [email protected]

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

We are holding online consultation briefing events in April and May 2026 – one for higher education providers and one for students and students’ representatives. These events will provide an opportunity for you to hear about our proposals and ask any questions you may have. The dates and details are on our website.

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.