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<p>The Office for Students (OfS) is responsible for safeguarding standards within
the sector. It ensures that the Department for Education works collaboratively with
the sector to make sure that it acts in the best interests of students. The regulatory
framework is designed to ensure that higher education providers are: providing value
for money for students; are taking action to improve access and participation; and
they have student protection plans in place in case of any market failure.</p><p>My
right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education’s guidance to the OfS sets
out that student interests should be central to the mission of the OfS and that the
OfS should promote a positive higher education experience.</p><p>In relation to the
student experience, the government has asked the OfS to promote providers’ active
engagement with the welfare and wellbeing of students and in particular encourages
measures to support student mental health.</p><p>Undergraduate students who are required
to repeat a year of study on their course due to compelling personal reasons (e.g.
illness, ill health or pregnancy) can apply for an additional year of tuition fee
loan and living costs support from Student Finance England for their repeat year of
study.</p><p>Undergraduate students who suspend their studies due to illness, caring
responsibilities or pregnancy can apply to Student Finance England to continue paying
their living costs support during their period of absence.</p>
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