Consultation outcome

Alternative providers of higher education: improving quality and value for money

This consultation has concluded

Read the full outcome

Detail of outcome

We will implement the proposals in the consultation to:

  • improve English language requirements
  • provide better information for prospective students
  • relate student number controls to provider performance

These measures will apply from the 2016 to 2017 academic year. We will provide further detail in specific course designation guidance soon.

Detail of feedback received

70 responses were received from:

  • alternative providers
  • Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) funded institutions
  • representative bodies
  • individuals

Original consultation

Summary

We’re asking for views on proposals to improve the quality and value for money of higher education provided by alternative providers.

This consultation ran from
to

Consultation description

We want to know your views on proposals aimed at improving the quality and value for money of higher education that is provided by ‘alternative providers’. These are organisations that provide higher education courses for students but don’t receive funding from, and are not regulated by, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).

Our 3 proposals aim to support students to make well informed choices and encourage providers to put student success first. These are to:

  • improve English language requirements at alternative providers
  • improve information for prospective students
  • relate the number of students providers can recruit against their performance

We believe the proposals will improve the likelihood that students at alternative providers will:

  • succeed in their courses
  • complete their qualifications
  • go on to gain from their higher education experience

We recognise the proposals may have particular impacts on some providers. We welcome views on any practical implications for providers in meeting these requirements.

Documents

Updates to this page

Published 27 February 2015
Last updated 22 July 2015 + show all updates
  1. Added summary of feedback and outcome.

  2. First published.

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