Recommendation 8

OfS told us that, for full-time students doing first degree subjects, it would normally expect at least 80% of students to complete their course and progress to further study or professional employment. Across the higher education sector, around 90% of students complete and progress, compared to just over 80% at franchised providers. OfS told us that there is also variation in attainment and progression for students studying at different franchised providers. Some have continuation rates well above the 80% threshold, but others are in the 60% to 70% range. We asked DfE and OfS to explain what they were doing to ensure better outcomes for students studying at franchised providers. OfS conceded that performance for franchised providers was so far below its 80% benchmark that it prompted regulatory questions. OfS told us that it will be looking in more detail at outcomes for students in particular partnerships for certain providers.15 It assured us 7 Q70 8 Q10 9 Q69, Correspondence from DfE to PAC, dated 8 March 2024 10 Qq55, 57 11 Q28 12 Universities UK (ISL0002) 13 Q55 14 C&AG’s Report, paras 1.10, 1.15 15 Qq28–29 10 Student loans issued to those studying at franchised higher education providers that it is increasing its investigatory work on quality, and that it has been posing “sharp questions” for vice-chancellors.16 It told us that it would be looking particularly hard at quality in franchised providers in the coming years.17