, Minister for Further and
Higher Education: On 25 November 2025, I gave an oral statement
updating Members on the future of tertiary education in Wales,
reflecting on our achievements over the past five years. I also
set out the key challenges facing the sector along with my
intention to publish an evidence paper and open a call for
submissions inviting views from stakeholders to shape future
government policy – The Tertiary Education Participation and
Sustainability Evidence Paper: Written Statement: Launch
of Evidence Paper and Call for Submissions | GOV.WALES
I am pleased and reassured to have received an overwhelmingly
positive response from stakeholders on the evidence paper. Early
feedback indicates that the challenges and opportunities are
clearly articulated and provide the basis for honest discussion
and future action.
I also referred to the Tertiary Education Ministerial Advisory
Group (MAG) that I had recently established made up of
representatives from across tertiary education to provide
strategic, informed and constructive advice on
the major challenges and opportunities facing Wales's tertiary
education system.
Today I want to give Members more detail about our continued
efforts to support and strengthen the tertiary education sector
and the MAG. Last week, Medr published its report of demand,
provision and distribution of subject areas across higher
education in Wales. This is a report that I commissioned, and I'm
pleased to hear that it is being so well received. It's another
piece of the jigsaw intended to enhance the evidence base in
Wales giving providers and government the opportunity to make
informed decisions.
The MAG serves as a cross-sector forum, bringing together leaders
and experts from further education, higher education, government,
research, civic partners and student bodies to shape policy
development across key areas of national importance. Its remit
includes providing advice on:
-
Post‑16 participation, focusing on access,
retention and progression across FE, HE and work‑based learning
-
Sustainability of the tertiary education
system, including financial resilience, environmental
considerations and institutional stability
-
Research and innovation, with an emphasis on
collaboration between providers, industry and government to
support Wales's economic future
The inaugural meeting of the MAG on 21 November 2025 set a
constructive tone for its work programme and confirmed the
Group's purpose and expectations. Members considered how to
ensure equitable access and successful outcomes for learners from
all backgrounds across FE, HE and lifelong learning pathways.
Emerging demographic pressures along with collaboration,
financial stability and the role of tertiary education in
supporting Wales's long-term economic ambitions were key
themes.
A second meeting was held on Thursday 12 February to discuss the
challenges set out in the evidence paper in more depth, with a
particular focus on the challenges identified for
participation, equality of opportunity and financial
sustainability.
I'm very grateful to Group Members for engaging so positively in
the discussion, offering invaluable insight and expertise to help
us meet the challenges and opportunities in the years
ahead.
The Group will meet again on 5 March 2026.
