This document accompanies a letter to universities and colleges in April 2025 to set out our expectations on how they should support students before, during and after industrial action. It explains what we learned from students and institutions about recent industrial action, and sets out our expectations in advance of any future disruption To find out further information click here

Andy Forbes introduces a new report from the Lifelong Education Institute and Mixed Economy Group of college HE providers making the case for expanding college-based HE.

The Lifelong Education Institute’s latest report – “Taking Higher Education Further” – shines a spotlight on the contribution of FE colleges to England’s higher education sector. In partnership with the Mixed Economy Group of colleges – a group representing the 43 colleges with a strategic interest in HE – we have explored the rationale for college-based higher education, analysed some of the barriers holding it back from expansion, and suggested ways in which policymakers could support its growth.To access the article click here

The fundamentals of the system for student support in England were put place before most of them born. Jim Dickinson argues for change to alleviate poverty and support opportunity. To read the Blog click here

As more and more students travel from their home to study, grappling with all the challenges of supporting commuter students has become the norm for the sector. How do we create a sense of belonging for these students, how do we make their time on campus as positive as possible and how do we increase attendance and then keep them on campus? It’s often approached as a problem to fix.To access the article click here