{ "format" : "linked-data-api", "version" : "0.2", "result" : {"_about" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?hansardHeading=Universities", "definition" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/meta/answeredquestions.text?hansardHeading=Universities", "extendedMetadataVersion" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_metadata=all&hansardHeading=Universities", "first" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=0&hansardHeading=Universities", "hasPart" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?hansardHeading=Universities", "isPartOf" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?hansardHeading=Universities", "items" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1682261", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1682261/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.<\/p>

<\/p>

Please see the letter attached from the National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority.<\/p>

<\/p>

The Office for National Statistics is not responsible for making an assessment of the non-statistical impacts of classification decisions. Therefore, no such assessment has been made of other consequences.<\/p>

<\/p>

The Lord Stevens of Birmingham<\/p>

House of Lords<\/p>

London<\/p>

SW1A 0PW<\/p>

<\/p>

19 January 2024<\/p>

<\/p>

Dear Lord Stevens of Birmingham,<\/p>

<\/p>

As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Questions asking when the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will conclude its review of the classification of universities in the National Accounts, first announced in January 2017 (HL1604)<\/strong>. And further to the classification review of universities announced by the ONS in January 2017, what assessment we have made of the (1) fiscal, and (2) other, consequences of universities being reclassified as public bodies as a result of that review (HL1606)<\/strong>.<\/p>

<\/p>

The ONS regularly reviews legislation and guidance relating to a number of institutions, including universities, to determine whether any changes would have a potential impact on their sector classification. As such, the classification review of universities in the UK, first announced on 31 January 2017 [1] will consider whether the substantial rise in tuition fees from 2012, and other changes in funding arrangements affect the classification of universities.<\/p>

<\/p>

A further statement on the classification review of universities in the UK was released on 5 April 2018 [2]. This statement explained that the classification review had been paused because of the announcement of the review of post-18 education and funding, which raised the possibility that the cap for tuition fees may be altered. As this could affect the classification status of individual universities, the statement confirmed the classification review would recommence when there is more certainty in this area.<\/p>

<\/p>

It was necessary to further postpone the classification review of universities in the UK due to new higher priority classification cases, such as support schemes initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more recently, the energy support schemes introduced in 2022 and 2023.<\/p>

<\/p>

At present, the ONS plans to begin the classification review of universities in the UK from Quarter 2 (April \u2013 June) 2024. However, classification priorities can change quickly, and the expected dates of completion are only indicative. Our forward work plan 3 is updated each month to reflect changes in priorities. Table 1 shows the expected timetable for the classification review.<\/p>

<\/p>

Table 1: Expected timetable for the classification review of universities [3]<\/strong><\/p>

Name of case<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

Expected date of completion<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Universities (Scotland)<\/p><\/td>

Quarter 2 (Apr to Jun) 2024<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Universities (Northern Ireland)<\/p><\/td>

Quarter 3 (Jul to Sep) 2024<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Universities (Wales)<\/p><\/td>

Quarter 3 (Jul to Sep) 2024<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Universities (England)<\/p><\/td>

Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2025<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

Source: Forward Work Plan December 2023 (19 December 2023)<\/em><\/p>

<\/p>

The ONS has not yet made an assessment of the fiscal consequences of universities being reclassified as public bodies. Within our forward work plan, for each of the four cases involved, we have provided an indication that the impact on fiscal aggregates could be small (less than £100 million change).<\/p>

<\/p>

The ONS is not responsible for making an assessment of the non-statistical impacts of classification decisions. Therefore, no such assessment has been made of other consequences.<\/p>

<\/p>

Yours sincerely,<\/p>

Professor Sir Ian Diamond<\/p>

<\/p>

[1] Classification review of universities in the UK - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)<\/a><\/p>

[2] Further statement on the classification review of universities in the UK - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)<\/a><\/p>

[3] Economic statistics sector classification \u2013 Forward Work Plan dataset (XLSX, 128KB)<\/a><\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4284", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Neville-Rolfe"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Neville-Rolfe"} , "attachment" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1682261/answer/attachment/1", "fileName" : {"_value" : "PQHL1604_HL1606 (1) (1).pdf"} , "title" : "UK Statistics Authority "} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-01-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "HL1606"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-01-29T17:41:10.227Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-01-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Universities"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government when the Office for National Statistics will conclude its review of the classification of universities in the National Accounts, first announced in January 2017.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4924", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Stevens of Birmingham"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Stevens of Birmingham"} ], "uin" : "HL1604"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1682263", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1682263/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority.<\/p>

<\/p>

Please see the letter attached from the National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority.<\/p>

<\/p>

The Office for National Statistics is not responsible for making an assessment of the non-statistical impacts of classification decisions. Therefore, no such assessment has been made of other consequences.<\/p>

<\/p>

The Lord Stevens of Birmingham<\/p>

House of Lords<\/p>

London<\/p>

SW1A 0PW<\/p>

<\/p>

19 January 2024<\/p>

<\/p>

Dear Lord Stevens of Birmingham,<\/p>

<\/p>

As National Statistician and Chief Executive of the UK Statistics Authority, I am responding to your Parliamentary Questions asking when the Office for National Statistics (ONS) will conclude its review of the classification of universities in the National Accounts, first announced in January 2017 (HL1604)<\/strong>. And further to the classification review of universities announced by the ONS in January 2017, what assessment we have made of the (1) fiscal, and (2) other, consequences of universities being reclassified as public bodies as a result of that review (HL1606)<\/strong>.<\/p>

<\/p>

The ONS regularly reviews legislation and guidance relating to a number of institutions, including universities, to determine whether any changes would have a potential impact on their sector classification. As such, the classification review of universities in the UK, first announced on 31 January 2017 [1] will consider whether the substantial rise in tuition fees from 2012, and other changes in funding arrangements affect the classification of universities.<\/p>

<\/p>

A further statement on the classification review of universities in the UK was released on 5 April 2018 [2]. This statement explained that the classification review had been paused because of the announcement of the review of post-18 education and funding, which raised the possibility that the cap for tuition fees may be altered. As this could affect the classification status of individual universities, the statement confirmed the classification review would recommence when there is more certainty in this area.<\/p>

<\/p>

It was necessary to further postpone the classification review of universities in the UK due to new higher priority classification cases, such as support schemes initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more recently, the energy support schemes introduced in 2022 and 2023.<\/p>

<\/p>

At present, the ONS plans to begin the classification review of universities in the UK from Quarter 2 (April \u2013 June) 2024. However, classification priorities can change quickly, and the expected dates of completion are only indicative. Our forward work plan 3 is updated each month to reflect changes in priorities. Table 1 shows the expected timetable for the classification review.<\/p>

<\/p>

Table 1: Expected timetable for the classification review of universities [3]<\/strong><\/p>

Name of case<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

Expected date of completion<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Universities (Scotland)<\/p><\/td>

Quarter 2 (Apr to Jun) 2024<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Universities (Northern Ireland)<\/p><\/td>

Quarter 3 (Jul to Sep) 2024<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Universities (Wales)<\/p><\/td>

Quarter 3 (Jul to Sep) 2024<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Universities (England)<\/p><\/td>

Quarter 1 (Jan to Mar) 2025<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

Source: Forward Work Plan December 2023 (19 December 2023)<\/em><\/p>

<\/p>

The ONS has not yet made an assessment of the fiscal consequences of universities being reclassified as public bodies. Within our forward work plan, for each of the four cases involved, we have provided an indication that the impact on fiscal aggregates could be small (less than £100 million change).<\/p>

<\/p>

The ONS is not responsible for making an assessment of the non-statistical impacts of classification decisions. Therefore, no such assessment has been made of other consequences.<\/p>

<\/p>

Yours sincerely,<\/p>

Professor Sir Ian Diamond<\/p>

<\/p>

[1] Classification review of universities in the UK - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)<\/a><\/p>

[2] Further statement on the classification review of universities in the UK - Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)<\/a><\/p>

[3] Economic statistics sector classification \u2013 Forward Work Plan dataset (XLSX, 128KB)<\/a><\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4284", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Neville-Rolfe"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Neville-Rolfe"} , "attachment" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1682263/answer/attachment/1", "fileName" : {"_value" : "PQHL1604_HL1606 (1) (1).pdf"} , "title" : "UK Statistics Authority "} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2024-01-29", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "HL1604"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2024-01-29T17:41:10.277Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "53"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Cabinet Office"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2024-01-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Universities"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the classification review of universities announced by the Office for National Statistics in January 2017, what assessment they have made of the (1) fiscal, and (2) other, consequences of universities being reclassified as public bodies as a result of that review.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4924", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Stevens of Birmingham"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Stevens of Birmingham"} ], "uin" : "HL1606"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1665602", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1665602/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

According to the Office for Students (OfS) Register, nine providers have been granted the right to use \u2018university\u2019 in their title since 2018. The OfS Register is available here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/the-register/the-ofs-register/#/<\/a>.<\/p>

Information regarding these providers\u2019 legal names, their trading names, their contact addresses, and the year the use of the word \u2018university\u2019 was granted, has been extracted from the OfS Register and is included in the table below.
Information on the names of providers prior to them receiving their university title is not available on the OfS register, but is included in the table.<\/p>

Provider\u2019s legal name<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

Provider\u2019s trading name(s)<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

Previous name
[not included on OfS Register]<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

Provider\u2019s contact address<\/strong><\/p><\/td>

Date use of 'university' granted<\/strong><\/p><\/td><\/tr>

St. George's Hospital Medical School<\/p><\/td>

St. George's, University of London<\/p><\/td>

St. George's Hospital Medical School<\/p><\/td>

St. George's Hospital
Cranmer Terrace
London
SW17 0RE
United Kingdom<\/p><\/td>

2022<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Royal Holloway and Bedford New College<\/p><\/td>

Royal Holloway, University of London<\/p><\/td>

Royal Holloway and Bedford New College<\/p><\/td>

Egham Hill
Egham
Surrey
TW20 0EX
United Kingdom<\/p><\/td>

2022<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Arts University Plymouth<\/p><\/td>

Arts University Plymouth<\/p><\/td>

Plymouth College of Art<\/p><\/td>

Tavistock Place
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 8AT
United Kingdom<\/p><\/td>

2022<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

The London School of Economics and Political Science<\/p><\/td>

Not applicable<\/p><\/td>

The London School of Economics and Political Science<\/p><\/td>

Houghton Street
London
WC2A 2AE
United Kingdom<\/p><\/td>

2022<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Ravensbourne University London<\/p><\/td>

Not applicable<\/p><\/td>

Ravensbourne College of Design and Communication<\/p><\/td>

6 Penrose Way
London
SE10 0EW
United Kingdom<\/p><\/td>

2018<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

BIMM University Limited<\/p><\/td>

BIMM University
BIMM Institute
of Contemporary Theatre
Northern Ballet School
Performers College
Screen & Film School<\/p><\/td>

BIMM Institute<\/p><\/td>

2 Bartholomew\u2019s
Brighton
Sussex
BN1 1HG
United Kingdom<\/p><\/td>

2022<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Hartpury University<\/p><\/td>

Not applicable<\/p><\/td>

Hartpury College<\/p><\/td>

Hartpury House
Hartpury
Gloucestershire
GL19 3BE
United Kingdom<\/p><\/td>

2019<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Northeastern University \u2013 London<\/p><\/td>

Northeastern University London
New College of the Humanities<\/p><\/td>

New College of the Humanities<\/p><\/td>

Devon House
58 St Katherine's Way
London
E1W 1LP
United Kingdom<\/p><\/td>

2022<\/p><\/td><\/tr>

Regent's University London Limited<\/p><\/td>

Regent's University London<\/p><\/td>

Regent's College<\/p><\/td>

Inner Circle
Regent\u2019s Park
London
NW1 4NS
United Kingdom<\/p><\/td>

2020<\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>

<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4703", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Barran"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Barran"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2023-10-26", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2023-10-26T10:11:05.03Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2023-10-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Universities"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask His Majesty's Government which institutions have received university title since 2018; what their titles are; when each received university title; what they were called before they received university title; and where each is located.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4347", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Wolf of Dulwich"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Baroness Wolf of Dulwich"} ], "uin" : "HL10648"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1487799", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1487799/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Students should be made fully aware of subject completion rates and graduate outcomes data, so that they can make meaningful decisions about what course to take and where to study.<\/p>

On 1 July 2022, the department published guidance asking higher education providers to improve the transparency and consistency of advertising at provider and subject level. Published guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/transparency-in-advertising-for-higher-education-providers<\/a>.<\/p>

We expect that providers will incorporate this data into any newly commissioned advertising, as it is right that applicants are made aware of it before they commit to applying for a particular course or institution.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4703", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Barran"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Barran"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2022-07-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2022-07-25T11:43:14.33Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2022-07-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Universities"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to encourage universities to advertise (1) subject drop-out, and (2) employment, rates for courses.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1796", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Taylor of Warwick"} ], "uin" : "HL1656"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1403580", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1403580/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Face-to-face teaching is a vital part of getting a high-quality student experience. With the removal of the Plan B measures, there are no COVID restrictions that apply to higher education (HE) and providers should ensure that they are delivering the full programme of face-to-face teaching and learning that they were providing before the COVID-19 outbreak.<\/p>

We know that, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, HE providers have delivered new and innovative approaches to teaching and learning and some providers continue to use some of these approaches alongside in-person provision. However, online learning should only be offered to enhance the student experience, not to detract from it, and it should not be used as a cost-cutting measure. The Office for Students (OfS) will be monitoring to ensure this is the case, and that universities are being open about what students can expect.<\/p>

The government expects all universities to continue to deliver excellent learning, in line with guidance from the OfS. On 29 October I wrote to all English HE providers to make clear that we expect them to be offering a high-quality face-to-face student experience and, on 17January, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education wrote an open letter to students about face-to-face teaching, setting out what they can do if they feel they are not getting the teaching they signed up for, details of which can be found here: https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/01/17/face-to-face-teaching-is-a-vital-part-of-getting-a-high-quality-student-experience-education-secretary-nadhim-zahawi-writes-to-students/<\/a>. In addition, I have been speaking with some university Vice Chancellors to ensure they are offering students the amount of in-person teaching they should expect.<\/p>

If students have concerns, they should first raise them with their HE provider. If their concerns remain unresolved, students at HE providers in England or Wales can ask the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for higher education to consider their complaint.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4530", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Michelle Donelan"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chippenham"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michelle Donelan"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2022-01-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2022-01-25T10:03:57.937Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2022-01-17", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Universities"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that universities return to face-to-face teaching and in person learning.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1447", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Andrew Rosindell"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Romford"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Andrew Rosindell"} ], "uin" : "105401"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1401634", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1401634/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

Face-to-face teaching is a vital part of getting a high-quality student experience. With the removal of the Plan B measures, there are no COVID restrictions that apply to higher education (HE) and providers should ensure that they are delivering the full programme of face-to-face teaching and learning that they were providing before the COVID-19 outbreak.<\/p>

We know that in response to the COVID-19 outbreak HE providers delivered new and innovative approaches to teaching and learning and that some providers continue to use some of these approaches alongside in-person provision. However, online learning should only be offered to enhance the student experience, not to detract from it, and it should not be used as a cost-cutting measure. The Office for Students (OfS) will be monitoring to ensure this is the case, and that universities are being open about what students can expect.<\/p>

The government expects all universities to continue to deliver excellent learning, in line with guidance from the OfS. On 29 October, my right hon. Friend, the Minister of State for Higher and Further Education, wrote to all English HE providers to make clear that we expect them to be offering a high quality face-to-face student experience. On 17 January, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, wrote an open letter to students about face-to-face teaching, setting out what they can do if they feel they are not getting the teaching they signed up for. This letter can be found here: https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2022/01/17/face-to-face-teaching-is-a-vital-part-of-getting-a-high-quality-student-experience-education-secretary-nadhim-zahawi-writes-to-students/<\/a>. In addition, the Minister of State for Higher and Further Education has been speaking with some university Vice Chancellors to ensure they are offering students the amount of in-person teaching they should expect.<\/p>

If students have concerns, they should first raise them with their HE provider. If their concerns remain unresolved, students at HE providers in England or Wales can ask the Office of the Independent Adjudicator for Higher Education to consider their complaint.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4703", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Barran"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Barran"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2022-01-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2022-01-24T17:14:00.227Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2022-01-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Universities"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to encourage universities to make face-to-face teaching compulsory.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1796", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Taylor of Warwick"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Taylor of Warwick"} ], "uin" : "HL5269"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1382062", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1382062/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) collects and publishes data on students and staff at higher education (HE) providers in the UK. Latest statistics refer to the academic year 2019/20.<\/p>

Data on the number of student enrolments at HE providers in the academic year 2019/20 are available in Table 1 of HESA\u2019s HE Student Data pages: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/students/table-1<\/a>. This includes students registered at universities, university colleges and specialised HE providers but excludes those registered at further education (FE) colleges. 107 providers held full University status in England as of November 2021 and 1,836,205 students at undergraduate and postgraduate level were registered with them in the academic year 2019/20. Each had one head of provider (Vice-Chancellor or equivalent).<\/p>

Equivalent statistics for the academic year 1991/92 were compiled by the Universities Central Council on Admissions. Volume 1 of the 1991/92 students and staff publication from the Universities\u2019 Statistical Record [1] shows that there were 346,587 undergraduate and postgraduate students registered at 34 universities in the academic year 1991/92. This count excludes students registered at FE colleges and former polytechnics.<\/p>

Data on the total renumeration of each head of provider in the academic year 2019/20 are available in Table 11 of HESA\u2019s HE Finance Data pages: https://www.hesa.ac.uk/data-and-analysis/finances/table-11<\/a>. In 2019/20, the total renumeration (before salary sacrifice) of the heads of 105[2] providers that held University Title in England as of November 2021 was £30,243,000. Data for the academic year 1991/92 is not available.<\/p>

[1] The USR publication is not readily available online but is available to users registered with the UK Data Service: https://ukdataservice.ac.uk/<\/a>.<\/p>

[2] Excluding University of Buckingham and Regent\u2019s University London, which are not available.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4703", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Barran"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Barran"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-12-08", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : {"_value" : "HL4368"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-12-08T12:19:30.96Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-11-24", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Universities"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government how many (1) universities, (2) university students, and (3) vice-chancellors or their equivalents, there were in (a) 1991, and (b) 2020.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/134", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Framlingham"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Framlingham"} ], "uin" : "HL4367"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1358805", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1358805/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

There is a variety of ranking systems and information sources which are published independently of government which are not verified. The Higher Education Statistics Agency (the designated data body for England), collects and makes openly available standardised data about UK higher education providers, so that it can be re-used by third parties.<\/p>

The government\u2019s focus is on ensuring all higher education providers deliver a high-quality academic experience. \u2018Discover Uni\u2019 is owned and operated by the UK higher education funding and regulatory bodies and is an official, reliable source of information to guide student choices. The Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework is the Office for Student\u2019s scheme for rating the quality of higher education in England, as part of its wider quality regime to help ensure all students benefit from high-quality provision.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4703", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Barran"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Baroness Barran"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-10-25", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-10-25T11:17:24.333Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-10-11", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Universities"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the tables published by different UK organisations ranking universities, and (2) the availability of independent oversight or verification of the accuracy of such tables.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1137", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Patten"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Lord Patten"} ], "uin" : "HL2954"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1345708", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1345708/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

In line with Step 4 of the government\u2019s roadmap, there will be no further restrictions on in-person provision in the autumn term. Higher education (HE) providers are therefore able to shape their courses without restrictions on face-to-face provision. The position will be kept under review considering the latest scientific evidence and public health advice. The latest advice can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-education-reopening-buildings-and-campuses<\/a>.<\/p>

Furthermore, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, wrote to education leaders on 8 July 2021, setting out plans as we move towards Step 4. This included the government\u2019s expectation that HE providers offer students a full, enriching and enjoyable experience, whilst staying as safe as possible. The letter is available to read here: https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2021/07/08/a-letter-from-the-education-secretary-to-education-leaders/<\/a>.<\/p>

HE providers should therefore not be planning to restrict teaching based on COVID-19 restrictions. However, as autonomous institutions it is for providers to determine their own provision, taking account of government guidance. We understand that a number of universities have announced plans on teaching in the next academic year: some will retain an element of blended learning. We know that the COVID-19 outbreak has enabled many providers to identify new and innovative approaches to teaching and learning, and students will continue to benefit from these alongside in person provision. We expect all universities to act in the interest of students and provide them with a full experience and in accordance with Office for Students guidance, which can be found here: https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/publications/guidance-for-providers-about-student-and-consumer-protection-during-the-pandemic/<\/a>. HE providers should communicate clearly to their students what they can expect from planned teaching and learning so that they are able to make informed choices.<\/p>

HE providers are autonomous institutions and are responsible for setting their own fees within maximum fee limits set by the regulations, where applicable. The government has already announced that maximum fees in the 2021/22 academic year will remain at £9,250 for a standard full-time course. We also intend to freeze the maximum tuition fee caps for the 2022/23 academic year to deliver better value for students and to keep the cost of higher education under control \u2013 the fifth year in succession that maximum fees have been frozen.<\/p>

Whether an individual student is entitled to a refund of their tuition fees depends on the specific contractual arrangements between the provider and student. Students do have consumer rights, and it is for them to decide whether to seek to exercise these.<\/p>

We recognised early on the impact the COVID-19 outbreak could have on students\u2019 mental health and wellbeing, and we asked universities to prioritise support for this. Universities responded positively and have transformed mental health and wellbeing services. There are many examples of good practice in this area. Many universities have been actively reaching out to vulnerable students to proactively offer additional support.<\/p>

We have worked closely with the OfS, to provide up to £3 million to fund the mental health platform Student Space. We have asked the OfS to allocate an additional £15 million towards student mental health, through proposed reforms to strategic priorities grant funding.<\/p>

Going forward, HE providers should continue to be innovative in how they identify issues and support their students. This includes identifying appropriate technology to flag potential issues and enable students to engage in a variety of ways. As a government, we will continue to review the situation and our support in this area.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4530", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Michelle Donelan"} } , "answeringMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "Chippenham"} , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Michelle Donelan"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-07-15", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "groupedQuestionUIN" : [{"_value" : "31332"} , {"_value" : "31333"} , {"_value" : "31334"} , {"_value" : "31335"} , {"_value" : "31337"} , {"_value" : "31338"} ], "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-07-15T15:41:59.627Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-07-12", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Universities"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "1"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25259", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Commons"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of face-to-face learning in universities.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/1428", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Sir Bill Wiggin"} } , "tablingMemberConstituency" : {"_value" : "North Herefordshire"} , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Bill Wiggin"} ], "uin" : "31336"} , {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1297043", "AnsweringBody" : [{"_value" : "Department for Education"} ], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1297043/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : "

The UK is one of the world\u2019s major providers of trans-national education. As autonomous institutions, universities make their own decisions about education provision overseas and are responsible for ensuring their partnerships are managed appropriately with the right due diligence in place.<\/p>

Relevant government departments, including the Department for International Trade, the Department for Education, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, regularly engage with the university sector to support higher education institutions when establishing trans-national education programmes, including working with the British Council to provide advice in particular contexts. If any provider has concerns, we encourage them to contact the government.<\/p>

We are pleased to see that Universities UK is working on behalf of the sector, and with government support, further to inform the sector about the importance of appropriate risk management in its international endeavours. Its recent publication, \u2018Managing Risks in Internationalisation: Security-related issues\u2019, includes specific guidance on delivering educational programmes overseas and can be accessed here: https://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/policy-and-analysis/reports/Pages/managing-risks-in-internationalisation.aspx<\/a>.<\/p>"} , "answeringMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4728", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay"} } , "answeringMemberPrinted" : {"_value" : "Lord Parkinson of Whitley Bay"} , "dateOfAnswer" : {"_value" : "2021-03-10", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "isMinisterialCorrection" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "questionFirstAnswered" : [{"_value" : "2021-03-10T11:56:47.433Z", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} ]} , "answeringDeptId" : {"_value" : "60"} , "answeringDeptShortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "answeringDeptSortName" : {"_value" : "Education"} , "date" : {"_value" : "2021-03-02", "_datatype" : "dateTime"} , "hansardHeading" : {"_value" : "Universities"} , "houseId" : {"_value" : "2"} , "legislature" : [{"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/terms/25277", "prefLabel" : {"_value" : "House of Lords"} } ], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with UK universities about the provision of university courses in countries where they have concerns about (1) governance, or (2) human rights, in those countries.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"} , "tablingMember" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/members/4341", "label" : {"_value" : "Biography information for Baroness Pinnock"} } , "tablingMemberPrinted" : [{"_value" : "Baroness Pinnock"} ], "uin" : "HL13832"} ], "itemsPerPage" : 10, "next" : "http://eldaddp.azurewebsites.net/answeredquestions.text?_page=1&hansardHeading=Universities", "page" : 0, "startIndex" : 1, "totalResults" : 35, "type" : ["http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#ListEndpoint", "http://purl.org/linked-data/api/vocab#Page"]} }