DfE responds to OFS announcement on investigations into poor quality courses

The DfE has responded to the Office for Students (OfS) release into the announcement of eight investigations into poor quality courses. Earlier this year the Secretary of State and Minister Donelan made clear to the OfS that government expects the OfS to step up its investigations with boots on the ground, to be followed by robust regulatory action wherever that is appropriate, and we are pleased to see this being actioned.

Minister for Higher and Further Education Michelle Donelan said:

“I am determined to drive up quality in higher education – from tackling drop out rates and improving graduate outcomes to ensuring students have face to face learning. This is the first wave of a package of boots-on-the-ground investigations that the Secretary of State and I have asked the OfS to deliver, focusing on ensuring students receive sufficient face-to-face contact hours, are on high quality, stretching courses and are assessed rigorously and fairly.

“This is just one part of my drive to tackle the pockets of poor quality that let down students, increase transparency and deliver real social mobility.”