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Written question asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) on Wednesday, 22 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 5 August 2026. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Wednesday, 5 August 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Higher Education: Franchises

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the outcomes for university students being taught by franchises, with particular regard to their (a) future income, (b) knowledge and subject understanding, (c) health and wellbeing, and (d) capacity to participate in public life, and (2) the impact inducements to sign up to franchise-taught courses are having on prospective students, including those who otherwise lack interest or ability to complete university studies.

Answer

Information on student outcomes in higher education (HE), including broken down by those studying at franchised providers, is published by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS also publishes National Student Survey results.

The government has identified concerns about parts of the franchised HE sector, including recruitment practices, quality and the protection of public money. In response, we have introduced a requirement for larger franchise providers to register with the OfS as a condition of access to student finance. Registered providers must meet the OfS's conditions of registration, including requirements relating to quality, student outcomes and the interests of students as consumers.

The government has not made a specific assessment of the impact of inducements on prospective students, including those who might otherwise lack the interest or ability to complete HE. However, HE providers must comply with consumer protection law and have regard to Competition and Markets Authority guidance, and OfS works with relevant regulators where concerns arise.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL2475
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Higher education Franchises Universities Students
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk