Quality and standards in English higher education

Quality is at the heart of what students expect from their higher education.

Our role is to ensure that higher education providers in England provide students with:

• high quality teaching during their studies
• rigorous assessments that test the skills and knowledge they gain
• credible, accurate qualifications that reflect their skills and meet industry standards
• positive outcomes throughout and after higher education.

All students – whether they come from the UK or overseas – should receive a high quality course and successful outcomes.

This also covers the quality of courses delivered to students studying overseas, at an OfS-registered provider’s overseas campus or at an overseas provider delivering courses on behalf of a provider registered with the OfS.  

What do we mean by high quality?

When considering whether a provider is delivering high quality student experiences and outcomes, we explore the following questions:

• Are courses well designed?
• Are courses well delivered?
• Are students assessed well?
• Are students well supported?
• Do students have good resources?
• Are students listened to?
• Do students achieve good outcomes? 
• Are the standards of awards maintained?

These topics are explored in more detail throughout this guide.

Examples of excellence

The Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), which we oversee, provides examples of work universities and colleges are doing to deliver excellent experiences and outcomes for students.

These examples include: 

• Creating an environment and supportive processes for students to recognise, nurture and articulate their skills and attributes, with academic and professional services staff working with students to advise on how their skills can be developed.
• Higher education providers co-creating peer-led support for students to foster a supportive and engaging learning environment, which is tailored to students.
• Teaching staff are encouraged to continually innovate and given the necessary training to create programmes that deliver to students’ specific needs.

Equality of opportunity

A central part of our work is ensuring students from all backgrounds can be confident in the quality of courses across the higher education sector.

Students from disadvantaged or underrepresented backgrounds are more likely to be affected by risks affecting quality, or circumstances affecting their ability to continue and complete their studies.

Universities and colleges need to continue their efforts to ensure all students receive high quality teaching, assessment and qualifications to equip them with the necessary skills for their futures.