DfE responds to Office for Students announcement on monitoring digital teaching quality at universities

“From the start of this pandemic, we have been clear that universities must continue delivering a high quality academic experience.

“We all know the benefits of face-to-face teaching but if universities move all teaching online, students should be assured that certain standards must be met.

“Both the Government and the Office for Students expect universities to be as open and transparent as possible with students regarding their lectures and classes, and I can see no reason why students should see a reduction in contact hours. If there are concerns, the OfS has the powers to take action.

“It is also vital that every single student has access to the resources they need to study remotely, regardless of their background, and we have worked closely with the Office for Students to enable universities to draw upon existing funding of £256 million to help students in financial hardship and to ensure this happens.”