Open University
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the impact of the Open University on participation in higher education among adults without traditional entry qualifications.
Answered by Josh MacAlister
The department recognises the important role of the Open University (OU) in widening participation in higher education (HE), particularly among adults without traditional entry qualifications.
HE should be a gateway open to all with the ability and desire to pursue it, and our Post 16 White Paper sets out our vision for a reformed system that breaks down barriers to opportunity and supports growth.
Data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) show that in 2024/25 there were 75,700 domestic entrants to UK HE whose highest qualification on entry was Level 2 or below, or who had no formal qualifications. Of these, 9,480 (12.5%) studied at the OU, demonstrating its significant contribution to supporting non-traditional learners into HE.
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