OfS response to House of Commons Education Committee Report: Value for money in higher education

‘We welcome the report’s focus on the importance of value for money for students, which is central to our regulatory framework. Universities and colleges are required to meet tough conditions when registering with us.

‘We are already responding specifically to a number of areas highlighted in the report. We are preparing a new approach to significantly reduce gaps in access, success and progression for disadvantaged students. Through the Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes framework (TEF) we promote excellent teaching and improve information for students including student employment outcomes.

‘We strongly support the growth of degree apprenticeships. We are demonstrating this through the £8 million Degree Apprenticeship Development Fund and will draw on its evaluation to determine what further steps to take in 2019. 

‘We are also conducting an analysis based on data from UCAS to understand the increase in unconditional offers and the impact this may have on students.

‘We require universities and other registered providers to publish details of vice-chancellors’ pay and justify their pay package. We also require them to publish the number of staff being paid more than £100,000, and ratios showing how the vice-chancellor’s pay compares to that of all other employees. This goes beyond previous requirements.’