Minister for Children and Families (): Our higher education
sector has a world-leading reputation. The evidence shows that
most graduates are significantly better off as a result of
undertaking higher education, but we are determined to ensure
that everyone can be confident of a good experience and strong
outcomes for their investment in higher education.
We came into government with a manifesto commitment to raise
teaching standards in higher education. The Post-16 Education and
Skills White paper last autumn placed quality at the heart of our
vision for the sector.
We acted quickly to support financial sustainability for
providers through the tuition fee increase. We are improving
support for access and participation, re-introducing maintenance
grants and supporting better pathways through the system.
However, there is more work to be done to ensure consistent high
quality across the sector. Too many courses are not delivering
the outcomes students deserve.
New analysis published today by the Institute for Fiscal Studies
(IFS) shows that 25% of students do not see a positive return
from their studies, with negative returns concentrated in certain
subjects.
I have today written to all higher education providers to outline
further reforms to tackle the issues exposed by today's IFS
analysis and elsewhere so we can help all students benefit from
everything our higher education system has to offer.
We will legislate to limit the growth of some courses that lead
to poor earnings returns at some providers, when parliamentary
time allows. This will not be a blanket cap on student numbers,
but a focused measure to support the sector to prioritise
provision where it delivers good value for students and the
taxpayer. We will engage a wide range of stakeholders to inform
the development of these options.
We also expect providers to include clear information about
destinations and outcomes on their own websites so that students
can make choices that work for them. We are working with the
Office for Students, UCAS and sector partners to make it easier
for students to access the information available on Discover Uni,
in time for the next cohort of students to consider their options
in Spring 2027.
Alongside this, our Pathways to Priority Occupations report, also
published today, will support students to make informed choices
about their courses. We are exploring how AI can further
strengthen the information available to them.
Finally, there must be robust standards to protect students and
taxpayers from abuse. We intend to consult in the autumn on new
minimum English language requirements for student finance, to
provide greater confidence that recipients are able to benefit
from their course. We will design this carefully, in
collaboration with the higher education sector.
Together, these actions will help ensure that all students can
benefit from the opportunities that higher education provides.
