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Written question asked by Lee Anderson (Reform UK) on Wednesday, 26 November 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 1 December 2025. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Friday, 5 December 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Students: Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her department are taking to help support university students living with (a) Chron's and (b) Colitis.

Answer

This government is committed to ensuring that all students are well supported during their time at university.

Higher education providers have responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for all their disabled students, which includes those with a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on their ability to do normal daily activities.

Wherever possible, disabled students should expect to have their needs met through inclusive learning practices and individual reasonable adjustments made by their provider. In addition to reasonable adjustments, Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is available for the provision of more specialist support.

My noble Friend, the Minister for Skills, has recently appointed Sir Steve West as Higher Education Student Support Champion to lead the Higher Education Mental Health Implementation Taskforce. The Taskforce is instrumental in assessing and driving improvements in mental health support across the sector, including taking forward recommendations from the recent national review of higher education student suicides.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
94948
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Students Ulcerative colitis Crohn's disease
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk