Regulator to clamp down on artificial grade inflation

ENGLAND’S HIGHER education regulator will clamp down on universities with artificial grade inflation, or where the quality of courses falls below expectations, under tougher proposals.

The Office for Students (OfS) has set out proposed new requirements to allow the watchdog to intervene more frequently in English universities and colleges to protect quality and standards in higher education.

The proposals, which are now open for consultation, include new detailed conditions of registration for quality and standards.

Institutions that fail to address concerns about artificial grade inflation or poor quality could potentially face monetary penalties, or they could have their registration revoked, the OfS said.

Under the plans, universities and colleges in England would be required to ensure students are assessed effectively, and that they receive “credible qualifications that stand the test of time”.

Institutions would also have to “mandate a high-quality academic experience”, where courses are up-to-date, effectively delivered, provide challenge, and equip students with the skills they need.

Lord Wharton, chair of the

OfS, said: “Our proposals signal an important step change in the way the OfS regulates quality and standards.”

A Universities UK (UUK) spokeswoman said it was committed to upholding high quality and will be working to respond to the consultation.