OfS support & guidance

Timely insights and practical expert-led support

Benefit from our regular updates and sector insights to make well-informed decisions. We track and interpret complex policy developments and upcoming changes to help your strategic planning.

To help you understand the new requirements and processes, we have developed the following resources for IHE Members:

• OfS registration & DAPs flowchart to identify best steps for your specific circumstances
• Timeline of key dates to note important regulatory deadlines and milestones
• Reading materials to stay informed
• Learn on demand resources co-created with IHE Members, IHE Consultants and IHE policy experts
• Peer Community Groups to promote knowledge-sharing and support among those at a similar stage in their OfS registration and DAPs application journey

To make the most of our support and ensure a smooth OfS registration process—whether you are a new applicant, resuming a paused application, or a franchise provider—view the flowchart and timeline in tandem.

These resources are based on proposals by the OfS and Department for Education (DfE), and will be updated accordingly.

Reading materials

Reading corresponding to key timeline dates

• Aug 2025:
  • OfS to resume assessments for new registration, degree awarding powers, and university title applications in August 2025
  • OfS publishes proposals for new initial conditions of registration to better protect students and speed up registration process
  • Response to OfS consultation on proposals for two new initial conditions of registration (IHE)
• Oct 2025/Apr 2026/May 2026/Sep 2027:
  • Franchising in higher education (DfE)
  • Response to DfE consultation on franchising in higher education (IHE)
• 1 Jan 2026: Proposal 5 in the OfS consultation (OfS)
• Sep 2026:
  • LLE resources and LLE Provider Preparation Guide (DfE)
  • DfE policy changes - LLE Overview and next steps
• Jan 2027: Who will be eligible for the LLE (DfE)
• Nov 2027: Consultation on reforms to OfS registration requirements

General reading

• Response to OfS consultation on the OfS strategy for 2025 to 2030 (IHE)
• Regulatory advice 3: Registration of English higher education providers with the OfS
• IHE responds to OfS decision to suspend registration and DAPs
• OfS to resume assessments for new registration, degree awarding powers, and university title applications in August 2025
• Operational measures (OfS)
• Introducing the LLE (Student Finance England)
• LLE FAQ (Student Loans Company)

Learn on demand

Increase confidence and build staff capacity through our ever-expanding Launchpad training suite, included in IHE membership and available to Launchpad subscribers. The sessions include expert-led support as well as insights from fellow IHE Members and IHE staff.

Open access resources: 

• Introduction to the registration process with the OfS
• Understanding the OfS eligibility criteria

Launchpad training suite:

• OfS Registration – The Basics
• Governance and financial oversight
• Quality Assurance
• Degree Awarding Powers
• Access and Participation – Guidance and Advice
• Data and Financial Returns – Regulatory Requirements

Browse the Launchpad training suite

Relevant upcoming events:

• Tuesday 24 June 2025, 10.00 - 11.00: Re-opening of the OfS DAPs application process
• Thursday 3 July, 14.00 - 15.00: OfS registration: What is a business plan?
• Tuesday 14 October 2025: Franchise Providers Peer Community event - details TBC

Stay up to date by visiting our Events page

Peer Community Groups

We have developed Peer Community Groups that can be accessed on the IHE Community, our online platform, to connect IHE Members at similar stages in their OfS registration or DAPs application journeys. These groups will offer a space to share knowledge, support one another, and stay informed about IHE events tailored to each group’s needs.

The initial Peer Community Groups include:

1. IHE Members* ready to apply for OfS registration (new groups start from June 2025, ahead of registration reopening)
2. IHE Members* paused in the OfS registration process
3. IHE Members* applying as franchise partners under the proposed DfE requirements
4. IHE Members* applying for or paused in the DAPs application process

*Launchpad Accelerate subscribers may be able to join the Peer Community Groups upon application.

IHE Consultancy

Find out more about the support offered through IHE Consultancy

Become a Member 

Read about the benefits of IHE membership