Office for Students

We’re recruiting for members to join our new Student Interest Board, and we want to hear from you. Perhaps you’re a student, committed to making sure student voices are heard. Maybe you’re an SU officer, working directly on the issues that matter to students. Or perhaps you’re working at a senior level in higher education or in the third sector, providing advice and guidance to students and young people every day. You could be exactly what we’re looking for. To find out more and apply: bit.ly/49e8bkv

Earlier this month, we visited Hult International Business School, which hosted us at its impressive London campus. Housed inside a former Victorian brewery, the institution enjoys a rich history, which we were intrigued to learn about on our tour. We also had the chance to talk with Hult's student services team, who told us about their work supporting students - thanks for having us!

Following the publication of our updated analysis of the higher education sector’s financial sustainability, our chief executive Susan Lapworth wrote an article for The Times calling for "bold and transformative action" from universities and colleges. Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/4eFKgeP

We want to give a shout out to all the students who have been willing to engage with us about their priorities over the years - without you, our job would be much, much harder. A special thanks to the University of Reading Student Union representatives for recently sitting down with our Director of Strategy and Delivery Josh Fleming during our visit to the institution to discuss their experiences of higher education and university life.

Are you a student, sabbatical officer, or student representative? Don't forget to register for our student webinar on 5 December, where you'll be able to ask us questions and tell us what matters to you. Book your place: https://bit.ly/4hcDM9M

NEW: We have published updated analysis of the higher education sector’s financial sustainability based on the latest trends in UK and international student recruitment. Our analysis, which updates the OfS’s annual financial sustainability report published in May, finds reduced numbers of students entering higher education. Without taking steps to address financial risks, OfS modelling suggests that nearly three quarters (72 per cent) of higher education providers will be in deficit by 2025-26, and 39 per cent would have fewer than 30 days’ liquidity. Read the report: https://bit.ly/3Z3gLiu

The OfS is now a recognised member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education. The INQAAHE - International Network for QAAs in HE brings together over 300 organisations around the world, all invested in the quality of students’ higher education. Find out more: https://bit.ly/4hJ8JTk

We can confirm that the University of Hertfordshire's therapy dog Poppy, is in fact, a very good girl. Thank you to the university for hosting us on our latest provider visit- it was a pleasure to meet the star of your Student Wellbeing team, her colleagues, and university staff and students last month.

Our Director for Fair Access and Participation, John Blake, gave a speech at the Universities UK Access, Participation and Student Success conference on Thursday 7 November. In the speech, John reflected on the current round of Access and Participation Plans, and provided insight into our thinking about the next stage of equality regulation in English higher education. Read the speech in full here 👉 https://bit.ly/48DlBGt

Last week, our chief executive Susan Lapworth visited ARU Peterborough to discuss the university's strategic plans and hear from students on their insights and experiences. ARU Peterborough opened its doors in 2022 and offers a range of undergraduate, postgraduate, degree apprenticeships and CPD courses.