Publications

The opportunity to study as a mature student is essential for equality of opportunity. It provides essential skills for future prosperity, especially as the UK recovers from the pandemic. While numbers of mature students in higher education have declined, particularly for certain types of study, there are positive signs of increasing demand. The government proposes to nurture this growth through its Lifelong Loan Entitlement, and the OfS is working for change through improved information, advice and guidance, regulation in the form of access and participation plans, and funding initiatives to encourage greater flexibility and choice.

An analysis of young participation in higher education in England in the areas targeted by Uni Connect

A summary of the findings from the evidence to date

This report, commissioned by the Office for Students (OfS), is part of the ongoing formative evaluation of phase two of Uni Connect, focusing on the programme’s outreach hubs. It presents findings which aim to: support the articulation of the outreach hubs’ Theory of Change; understand partnerships’ progress, processes and practices to date; support the OfS and partnerships with further shaping the remit of the hubs and their future delivery.

Insights from partnerships on how COVID-19 has affected Uni Connect outreach delivery, outreach effectiveness, disadvantaged learners, and their engagement with the programme.

This report presents an experimental measure to bring together projected data for full-time first degree students who complete their studies (completion rates) and the progression of recent graduates to employment, further study and other activities (graduate outcomes).

Student hardship funding: monitoring and additional allocation

Unistats 2021: Timetable and arrangements for the submission and publication of data

This document sets out the specification of the Transparency 2021 information and contains guidance for providers on the publication of the Transparency 2021 information which is a condition of registration.

Higher education can transform the lives of students who spent time in local authority care as children. Universities and colleges are identifying various ways to help them find the support and stability they need, but there is further work to be done. This brief looks at the obstacles these students face and how they can be addressed, including examples of good practice and the recommendations of a recently commissioned report.