Overview

This bill aims to improve access to and participation in higher education in England and Wales, particularly for underrepresented groups. It amends the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 to achieve this.

Description

The bill makes several key amendments to the Higher Education and Research Act 2017:

• Postgraduate Courses: Extends the Act's application to postgraduate courses, regardless of whether they qualify for fee limits. This ensures that access initiatives encompass postgraduate study.
• Improving Student Participation: Adds a clause to the Act emphasizing the improvement of participation of existing students, alongside the recruitment of new students from underrepresented groups.
• Expanding Protected Characteristics: Broadens the definition of underrepresented groups to include those with protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010, even if they are not statistically underrepresented in higher education. This allows targeted support for groups facing barriers, regardless of overall participation statistics.
• Removal of Redundant Clause: Removes a redundant paragraph in section 32(5) of the Act.

The bill applies only to England and Wales and comes into effect upon passing.

Government Spending

The bill doesn't directly specify government spending figures. However, implementing the changes may require additional funding for initiatives aimed at widening access and improving participation in higher education. The exact cost will depend on the specific programs and policies developed to meet the bill's objectives.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Underrepresented groups in higher education: These groups will potentially benefit from increased access and support programs, as the bill expands the scope of who can be included in such programs.
• Higher education institutions: Universities and colleges will need to adapt their admissions and support systems to comply with the amended legislation.
• Postgraduate students: The inclusion of postgraduate courses ensures that access and participation initiatives extend to this level of study.
• Government agencies responsible for higher education funding and policy: These agencies will need to oversee the implementation of the new provisions, potentially necessitating changes to funding allocations and policy guidance.

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