The universities regulator has scrapped multiple overlapping requirements placed on FE colleges that deliver higher education courses. It follows an Office for Students (OfS) consultation on proposed rule changes that received “consistent support” from the college sector earlier this year. The OfS changes come into effect today and remove five conditions of registration for colleges that apply to deliver higher education courses, and scrap four ongoing conditions placed on colleges already registered with the regulator. Overlapping burdens the OfS had imposed alongside existing Department for Education rules included producing statements about participation by disadvantaged or underrepresented groups, financial viability and sustainability. OfS interim director of quality and access Jean Arnold said: “We’re making it simpler for FE colleges to take up their crucial role in the regulated higher education sector. “In doing so, they will be able to give their students confidence that they will meet the same high expectations we have for all institutions to deliver high quality teaching and learning, student protection and support. “It’s important we have high standards for every institution that wants to register with us and access public funding – but the way we regulate shouldn’t get in the way of further education colleges offering students a flexible and diverse route into higher education.” Some of the requirements, such as providing a statement on financial viability and sustainability, will continue to apply to colleges seeking degree-awarding powers. The OfS said this was because these colleges are responsible for overseeing academic governance, standards, and the continuity of students’ study. Responses to the consultation were made by 45 organisations and individuals, including FE colleges, sector bodies, universities and individuals. According to the OfS’ consultation summary, most responses supported a more “proportionate” approach that reduced duplication. Some raised concerns about creating a “two-tier system” for colleges with and without degree-awarding powers. But the regulator said colleges without degree-awarding powers were subject to external validation or awarding arrangements with higher education providers, as well as DfE oversight. A small number of respondents called for OfS fees to be cut for colleges in line with the reductions in regulatory requirements, but the regulator pointed out that registration fees are set by the DfE. The DfE is carrying out a separate consultation into a new fee structure that closes on July 21. The university sector is suffering a funding crisis and growing debate around the value of some degrees. The rollout of the lifelong learning entitlement loan system is expected in September, which the government hopes will make level 4 and 5 higher education courses more easily available, including through modular courses.
Suman Bhardwaj 9 July 2026 Please look carefully into the values of a lot of irrelevant and rubbish degrees which are not worth the paper they are written on. Also a lot of degrees with set assignments, rubbish students just either copy/pay someone/chat GTP. Also 99% of university professors teaching rubbish degrees haven’t a clue about their subjects. Please remove such rubbish professors and rubbish degrees. There are a lot VERY BAD professors even on good degree courses. There should be some sort of timely vetting/ checking of professors and their work. There are biased/racist professors who continually under mark brilliant students without realising they are berefting Great Britain of brilliant minds who will be an asset to this Great Country of ours. Such small minded in authority should be carefully weeded out. Thank you.