Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, whether it will be compulsory for new higher education providers to be included on the Office for Students register of providers.

Registration is voluntary and providers are free to operate outside of the register if they wish. If, however, providers want to obtain the benefits of delivering recognised higher education courses, including receiving direct or indirect financial support from the Government and the taxpayer, they will be required to register with the Office for Students. In return, they will be required to meet conditions imposed by the Office for Students so that students, employers and the taxpayer can be assured that all providers on the register meet the necessary standards and requirements commensurate with the benefits they will receive.