Our 2025 Survey and Statistics report comes at a time of significant transformation for the higher education sector.
The report is based on responses to the 2025 IHE Survey from 81 self-identifying independent higher education providers. It also draws on official Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data for 2023/24, providing essential context for interpreting the survey findings.
The analysis captures not only a snapshot of independent providers’ size, shape and characteristics, but also examines how recent transformation has affected student access, programme innovation and sector sustainability since the previous survey in 2019.
While independent providers continue to account for a relatively small share of total higher education enrolment, their rate of growth and concentration in specific learner segments signal a changing role within the wider system. This report shines a light on the sector’s integral contribution to system-wide objectives around flexibility, skills, and lifelong learning. In particular, the sector’s established strength in short-course provision, alongside growing interest in modular delivery, indicates strong readiness for Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) participation.
The survey findings highlight a number of recurring themes that cut across provider characteristics, delivery models, student profile, regulatory experience, and policy priorities. These themes provide insight into how independent providers currently operate within the higher education system and the conditions that shape their capacity to adapt and grow.
We are grateful to the independent providers who participated in the 2025 IHE Survey for helping to highlight the priorities, challenges and opportunities facing the sector as it continues to expand its contribution to UK higher education.
Key findings:
- Between 2018/19 and 2023/24, independent providers grew at a rate almost eight times faster than traditional universities, increasing their share of total UK higher education enrolment to 3.3%. Growth has been particularly pronounced among mature learners and part-time students.
- Mature learners represent 59% of enrolments in the independent sector, compared to 41% at traditional universities.
- Independent providers account for 22% of all new part-time places across UK higher education, despite representing less than 4% of total enrolments.
- 91% of survey respondents identify as a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), with the majority having fewer than 500 students.
- Survey respondents report a high prevalence of flexible and non-traditional delivery models: 57% offer online or distance learning, 45% offer blended learning, and 33% deliver teaching during evenings and weekends.
- 62% of survey respondents currently offer short courses with a further 12% planning to offer short courses in the future.
- Industry engagement is a defining feature of the sector: 78% of survey respondents report partnerships with industry, most commonly through placements or work experience (73%), professional networking or mentoring (64%) and input into curriculum design (59%).
- 73% of survey respondents are registered with the Office for Students (OfS) with the majority of the remainder planning to apply.
Download the report:
