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Higher Education Reform

Higher Education Reform encompasses Department for Education initiatives to modernise the UK university sector, including measures on academic freedom, free speech protections, and regulatory oversight of institutions. The reforms address governance, student experience, and institutional accountability across England and devolved nations. The policy area remains active with ongoing regulatory guidance and parliamentary scrutiny of sector-wide challenges.

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2026

2 events

2025

10 events
26 Jun 2025 | Policy paper Department for Education linked

The future of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023

Sets out the government’s decisions on the act to ensure that freedom of speech and academic freedom are robustly protected and it will be genuinely workable.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ The future of the Higher Education (Freedom of … (34pp)
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↓ The future of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act … (36pp) ↓ The future of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act … (64pp)

2024

8 events

2023

13 events
2 Oct 2023 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Higher education policy statement and reform — outcome published

We’re seeking views on proposals to improve outcomes, access and value for money of investment in higher education by students and taxpayers.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Higher education policy statement and reform (w… (81pp)
+3 more
↓ Higher education policy statement and reform (print version) (83pp) ↓ Higher education policy statement and reform: government co… (46pp) ↓ Higher education policy statement and reform: government co… (46pp)
17 Jul 2023 | Impact assessment Department for Education linked

equality impact assessment and analysis

Analysis of the impacts, including on particular protected groups, of the HE reforms set out in the policy statement and reform government consultation response.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Higher education policy statement and reform: g… (54pp)
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↓ Higher education policy statement and reform: government co… (17pp) ↓ Higher education policy statement and reform consultation: … (113pp)
10 May 2023 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill

Commons Amendment 18:00:00 Motion A Moved by Earl Howe: That this House do not insist on its Amendment 10E to which the Commons have disagreed and do agree with the Commons in their Amendment 10F in lieu. 10F : Page …

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2 May 2023 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill

Consideration of Lords message Mr Deputy Speaker (Mr Nigel Evans): Financial privilege is not engaged by any of the items in the Lords message relating to the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill. Clause 4 Civil claims 16:55:00 The Parliamentary …

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21 Mar 2023 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill

Commons Reason 16:02:00 Motion A Moved by Earl Howe: That this House do not insist on its Amendment 10, to which the Commons have disagreed for their Reason 10A. 10A: Because they consider civil proceedings to be an important means …

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7 Feb 2023 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill

Consideration of Lords amendments Clause 4 Civil claims 17:03:00 The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education (Claire Coutinho): I beg to move, That this House disagrees with Lords amendment 10. Mr Deputy Speaker (Sir Roger Gale): With this it will …

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2022

32 events
13 Dec 2022 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill

Third Reading 15:44:00 Motion Moved by Baroness Barran: That the Bill do now pass. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Education (Baroness Barran) (Con): My Lords, let me begin by thanking noble Lords for their important contributions during all …

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7 Dec 2022 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill

Report 15:53:00 Clause 1: Duties of registered higher education providers Amendment 1 Moved by 1: Clause 1, page 1, line 11, at end insert— “(1A) “Freedom of speech” refers to the Convention right of freedom of expression set out in …

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30 Nov 2022 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill

Order of Consideration Motion 15:51:00 Moved by Baroness Williams of Trafford: That the amendments for the Report stage be marshalled and considered in the following order: Clauses 1 to 11, Schedule, Clauses 12 to 14, Title. Motion agreed.

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8 Nov 2022 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill

Order of Commitment 15:24:00 Moved by Lord True: That the bill be reported from the Grand Committee in respect of proceedings up to and including Wednesday 2 November; that the order of commitment of 28 June be discharged and the …

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2 Nov 2022 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill

Committee (2nd Day) 16:15:00 Relevant document: 3rd Report from the Constitution Committee Clause 1: Duties of registered higher education providers Debate on Amendment 12 resumed. Earl Howe (Con): My Lords, as the Committee will be aware, our debate on Monday …

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28 Jun 2022 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill

Second Reading 17:27:00 Moved by Earl Howe: That the Bill be now read a second time. Earl Howe (Con): My Lords, “If liberty means anything at all it means the right to tell people what they do not want to …

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28 Jun 2022 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill

Order of Consideration Motion 21:14:00 Moved by Earl Howe: That it be an instruction to the Grand Committee to which the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill has been committed that they consider the bill in the following order: Clauses …

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7 May 2022 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Higher education policy statement and reform — consultation closed

We’re seeking views on proposals to improve outcomes, access and value for money of investment in higher education by students and taxpayers.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Higher education policy statement and reform (w… (81pp)
+3 more
↓ Higher education policy statement and reform (print version) (83pp) ↓ Higher education policy statement and reform: government co… (46pp) ↓ Higher education policy statement and reform: government co… (46pp)
6 May 2022 | Consultation (closed) Department for Education linked

consultation closed

We’re seeking views on proposals to improve outcomes, access and value for money of investment in higher education by students and taxpayers.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK
24 Feb 2022 | Consultation outcome Department for Education linked

Higher education policy statement and reform — consultation opened

We’re seeking views on proposals to improve outcomes, access and value for money of investment in higher education by students and taxpayers.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK · ↓ Higher education policy statement and reform (w… (81pp)
+3 more
↓ Higher education policy statement and reform (print version) (83pp) ↓ Higher education policy statement and reform: government co… (46pp) ↓ Higher education policy statement and reform: government co… (46pp)
24 Feb 2022 | Consultation (closed) Department for Education linked

consultation opened

We’re seeking views on proposals to improve outcomes, access and value for money of investment in higher education by students and taxpayers.

▤ View document · ↗ GOV.UK

2021

13 events
12 Jul 2021 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Bill

[Relevant documents: Fourth Report of the Joint Committee on Human Rights of Session 2017-19, Freedom of Speech in Universities, HC 589/ HL 111; Eighth Report of the Joint Committee on Human Rights of Session 2017-19, Freedom of Speech in Universities: …

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2020

17 events

2019

1 event

2018

4 events

2017

29 events
27 Apr 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Commons Reason and Amendments 11:51:00 Motion A Moved by Viscount Younger of Leckie: That this House do not insist on its Amendment 1 and do agree with the Commons in their Amendments 1A, 1B, 1C and 1D in lieu. Commons …

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26 Apr 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Returned from the Commons The Bill was returned from the Commons with a reason and amendments. The Commons reason and amendments were ordered to be printed. House adjourned at 6.21 pm.

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26 Apr 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Consideration of Lords amendments Madam Deputy Speaker (Natascha Engel): I must draw the House’s attention to the fact that financial privilege is engaged by Lords amendments 23, 138 and 139. If agreed by the House, I will cause an appropriate …

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4 Apr 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Third Reading 17:48:00 Lord Taylor of Holbeach (Con): My Lords, I have it in command from Her Majesty the Queen to acquaint the House that Her Majesty, having been informed of the purport of the Higher Education and Research Bill, …

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15 Mar 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Report (4th Day) Relevant documents: 10th and 19th Reports from the Delegated Powers Committee 18:07:00 Schedule 9: United Kingdom Research and Innovation Amendment 159 Moved by 159: Schedule 9, page 104, line 38, after “matters” insert “, the charitable sector” …

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13 Mar 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Report (3rd Day) Relevant documents: 10th and 19th Reports from the Delegated Powers Committee 15:09:00 Amendment 144 Moved by 144: After Clause 82, insert the following new Clause— “Sharia-compliant student finance: progress reports (1) The Secretary of State must publish …

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8 Mar 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Report (2nd Day) 15:47:00 Clause 26: Rating the quality of, and the standards applied to, higher education Amendment 62 Moved by 62: Clause 26, page 16, line 10, leave out “give ratings” and insert “assess” The Duke of Wellington (Con): …

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8 Mar 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Report (2nd Day) (Continued) 20:48:00 Schedule 5: Powers of entry and search etc Amendment 124 Moved by 124: Schedule 5, page 89, line 22, at end insert— “( ) the suspected breach may constitute fraud, or concerns serious or wilful …

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6 Mar 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Report (1st Day) 15:08:00 Clause 2: The Office for Students Amendment 1 Moved by 1: Clause 2, page 2, line 2, leave out “Office for Students” and insert “Office for Higher Education Standards” Lord Lipsey (Lab): My Lords, I move …

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6 Mar 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Report (1st Day) (Continued) 18:50:00 Amendment 20 Moved by 20: Schedule 2, page 80, line 14, after “in” insert “the case of each provider and each qualifying course” Lord Young of Cookham (Con): My Lords, I come to the campus …

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6 Mar 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Report (1st day) (Continued) 20:46:00 Amendment 53 Moved by 53: Clause 15, page 9, line 19, at end insert— “(3A) The principles must include principles applicable to an unincorporated designated institution.(3B) In subsection (3A)—(a) “unincorporated designated institution” means a designated …

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2 Mar 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Order of Consideration Motion 11:40:00 Moved by Baroness Buscombe: That the amendments for the Report stage be marshalled and considered in the following order: Clauses 1 and 2, Schedule 1, Clauses 3 to 11, Schedule 2, Clauses 12 to 16, …

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30 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (7th Day) 15:12:00 Relevant document: 10th Report from the Delegated Powers Committee Clause 85 agreed. Schedule 9: United Kingdom Research and Innovation Amendment 471A Moved by 471A: Schedule 9, page 100, line 26, at end insert— “( ) at …

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30 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (7th Day) (Continued) 19:06:00 Amendment 482C Moved by 482C: Schedule 9, page 105, line 30, at end insert— “(d) form, participate in forming or invest in a commercial arrangement including a company, partnership or other similar form of organisation …

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25 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (6th Day) 15:38:00 Relevant document: 10th Report from the Delegated Powers Committee The Lord Speaker (Lord Fowler): My Lords, it may be for the convenience of your Lordships to have a slight pause here to enable those who are …

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23 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (5th Day) 15:07:00 Relevant document: 10th Report from the Delegated Powers Committee Amendment 143 Moved by 143: After Clause 15, insert the following new Clause— “Power to restrict enrolments (1) If the OfS has reasonable grounds for believing that …

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23 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (5th Day) (Continued) 17:58:00 Debate on Amendment 187 resumed Lord Lucas (Con): My Lords, to pick up on the recently finished speech of the noble Baroness, Lady Wolf, I thoroughly agree with the three main points she made. First, …

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23 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (5th Day) (Continued) 20:35:00 Amendment 244 Moved by 244: Clause 40, page 23, line 6, at end insert— “( ) The OfS may not authorise a provider to grant research awards under subsection (1) unless it has first consulted—(a) …

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18 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (4th Day) 17:42:00 Relevant document: 10th Report from the Delegated Powers Committee Clause 10: Mandatory fee limit condition for certain providers Amendment 122 Moved by 122: Clause 10, page 7, line 15, leave out from beginning to “limit”;” The …

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18 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (4th Day) (Continued) 20:41:00 Clause 10 agreed. Amendment 122A Moved by 122A: After Clause 10, insert the following new Clause— “Fee limit condition: requirement for progressive reduction in fees for older care leavers (1) A fee limit condition must …

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16 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (3rd Day) 15:28:00 Relevant document: 10th Report from the Delegated Powers Committee Clause 2: General duties Amendment 60 Moved by 60: Clause 2, page 2, line 8, at end insert— “( ) In giving guidance under this section, the …

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16 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (3rd Day) (Continued) 20:38:00 Amendment 118 Moved by 118: After Clause 9, insert the following new Clause— “Freedom of information The Secretary of State must use his or her best endeavours to ensure that all registered higher education providers …

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11 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (2nd Day) 15:39:00 Relevant d ocument: 10th Report from the Delegated Powers Committee Schedule 1: The Office for Students Amendment 9 Moved by 9: Schedule 1, page 70, line 37, at end insert “, including those offering part-time and …

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11 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (2nd Day) (Continued) 20:31:00 Clause 2: General duties Lord Lucas (Con): My Lords, I have a couple of amendments in this group. Perhaps I may start by speaking to Amendment 34. I have great hopes for it. My noble …

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9 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (1st Day) 15:07:00 Relevant document: 10th Report from the Delegated Powers Committee Amendment 1 Moved by 1: Before Clause 1, insert the following new Clause— “UK universities: functions (1) UK universities are autonomous institutions and must uphold the principles …

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9 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (1st Day) (Continued) 18:52:00 Amendment 2 Moved by 2: Before Clause 1, insert the following new Clause— “UK universities: establishment (1) UK universities must be bodies corporate, primarily located in the United Kingdom, and established on a not-for-profit basis. …

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9 Jan 2017 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Committee (1st Day) (Continued) 21:23:00 Clause 1: The Office for Students Amendment 3 Moved by 3: Clause 1, page 1, line 5, leave out “Office for Students” and insert “Office for Higher Education” Lord Lipsey (Lab): My Lords, I chair …

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2016

5 events
21 Dec 2016 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Order of Consideration Motion 11:36:00 Moved by Viscount Younger of Leckie: That it be an instruction to the Committee of the Whole House to which the Higher Education and Research Bill has been committed that they consider the bill in …

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6 Dec 2016 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Second Reading 15:33:00 Moved by Viscount Younger of Leckie: That the Bill be read a second time. Viscount Younger of Leckie (Con): My Lords, let me start by acknowledging that this is the second day in a row that this …

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21 Nov 2016 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Consideration of Bill, as amended in the Public Bill Committee Mr Speaker: Members will note that I have, unusually, selected some starred amendments. I have done so in the circumstances applying to this particular Bill—the hon. Member for Southport (John …

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19 Jul 2016 | Bill stage Department for Education linked

Higher Education and Research Bill

Second Reading Madam Deputy Speaker (Natascha Engel): I inform the House that the amendment has not been selected. 13:34:00 The Secretary of State for Education (Justine Greening): I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. …

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2015

1 event
23 Oct 2015 | Bill stage linked

Higher Education (Information) Bill

Second Reading 14:07:00 Heidi Allen (South Cambridgeshire) (Con): I beg to move, That the Bill be now read a Second time. I am quite disappointed that the previous debate did not go on longer; I was starting to quite enjoy …

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2012

2 events
17 May 2012 | Bill stage linked

Higher Education (Fees) Bill [HL]

First Reading 11:37:00 A Bill to ensure that higher education institutions in England, Wales and Scotland may not vary fees charged to British students based on a student’s place of domicile and to require organisations using public funds to assist …

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