UK Office For Students

£490M Skills Training Boost for University Students

The Office for Students and Department for Education announced £490 million in capital funding for higher education institutions in England. One hundred colleges and universities received £432 million over three years for facilities and equipment, while 20 specialist higher education providers received £57 million for 2022/23 to support courses in science, agriculture, business, creative and performing arts, cancer research, public health, and tropical diseases.

Professor Edward Peck Named Preferred Candidate for Office for Students Chair

The Education Secretary has named Professor Edward Peck CBE as the preferred candidate to be the next Chair of the Office for Students (OfS), the independent regulator of higher education in England. Professor Peck currently serves as Vice Chancellor of Nottingham Trent University and will stand down this summer if appointed. His appointment remains subject to a pre-appointment hearing before the Education Select Committee on 4 March 2025.

Professor Chris Millward Appointed Interim Director for Fair Access and Participation

The Department for Education and Office for Students have announced the appointment of Professor Chris Millward as Interim Director for Fair Access and Participation at the Office for Students. Professor Millward previously served as the first Director for Fair Access and Participation at the OfS, where his leadership transformed Access and Participation Plans. He will serve in an interim part-time capacity whilst recruitment to the substantive role takes place.