Franchising in higher education

Feedback updated 10 Dec 2025

We asked

We sought views on proposals to strengthen oversight of subcontracted delivery of higher education, also known as franchising.

You said

Respondents were broadly in support of our proposals to introduce a student number threshold as the trigger for providers to register with the Office for Students for their courses to be designated for student finance, for our proposed exemptions and for our proposed implementation timetable. It was thought that these proposals would help support quality in higher education and provide greater assurance to the taxpayer.

We did

The government response to this consultation sets out the reforms being brought in as part of the wider reforms to franchising in higher education.

 

Closed 4 Apr 2025

Opened 30 Jan 2025

Contact

HEpartnerships.CONSULTATION@education.gov.uk

Overview

We’re seeking views on proposals to strengthen oversight of subcontracted  delivery of higher education.

Why your views matter

In its September 2024 response to a Public Accounts Committee report on franchising in higher education, the government committed to consult on proposals to strengthen oversight of partnership delivery in higher education to provide greater protection of public money.

We are seeking views on proposed changes to student finance regulations that would require delivery partners with 300 or more students to register with the Office for Students for courses they deliver to be designated for student finance. 

Audiences

  • 16-18 year old students resident at these institutions
  • Adult education providers
  • Awarding organisations
  • Designated institutions and 16-19 academies
  • Employers
  • Further education colleges
  • Further Education leaders and workforce
  • Governing bodies and academy trusts
  • Government bodies and departments
  • Higher Education governing bodies
  • Higher Education leaders and workforce
  • Higher Education students and prospective students
  • Independent specialist colleges
  • Local authorities
  • Sixth form colleges
  • Training providers
  • Unions and representative organisations
  • Universities
  • Young people

Interests

  • Accountability
  • Education
  • Financial management
  • Governance
  • HE
  • Participation of young people in education, employment and training
  • Post 16 Qualifications
  • Statutory policies and guidance
  • Training and development