Kris Robbetts

This Practice Note provides an overview of the public law obligations of higher education institutions (HEIs) that are enshrined in statute or funding requirements. It covers freedom of speech as provided for by section 43 of the Education (No 2) Act 1986, academic freedom, the prevent and equality duties in an HEI context, as well as fair access and participation obligations to promote and encourage admissions from under-represented admissions groups.

This Practice Note covers the contractual and other relationships between a student and their higher education (HE) providers. It covers the relationship with the legal status of the university, when a contract is formed between a student and an HE provider, contractual considerations such as consumer protection regulations, university regulations, policies and procedures, academic rules, student behaviour, accommodation and tuition fee policies, complaints and data protection. Finally it looks at the potential for reform under the Office for Students (OfS).

This Practice Note explains the statutory framework establishing the establishment of the Office for Students (OfS); OfS functions, aims and objectives together with accountability to the Secretary of State for Education. It covers initial and ongoing registration requirements, funding arrangements and the OfS regulatory responsibilities together with the OfS monitoring and enforcement powers.