Education Legislation

Laws governing educational institutions, curriculum standards, student finance, higher education, and educational quality assessment.

The Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills (No. 3) Order 2025

Published: Thu 12th Jun 25

The Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills (No. 3) Order 2025, enacted June 12, 2025, appoints several individuals as His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

This appointment is authorized under the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and is detailed in a schedule listing each appointee.

The National Security Act 2023 (Foreign Activities and Foreign Influence Registration Scheme: Exemptions for Certain Foreign Power Investment Funds, Education, Government Administration and Public Bodies) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 12th Jun 25

These regulations, enacted under the National Security Act 2023, exempt specific categories of activities from the foreign activities and foreign influence registration scheme.

The exemptions cover certain foreign power investment funds focused primarily on overseas investments, educational arrangements supporting students in the UK, administrative and technical services provided by foreign powers, and arrangements involving UK public bodies (excluding those related to political influence).

The aim is to streamline the registration process while maintaining national security.

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2025

Published: Wed 11th Jun 25

These regulations amend several existing UK statutory instruments to reflect the abolition of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education and the subsequent transfer of its functions to the Secretary of State.

Specifically, the regulations replace references to the Institute with the Secretary of State in the Education (Student Support) Regulations 2011 and amend the Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations 2017, removing the Institute’s power to charge fees for evaluating apprenticeship assessments.

Additionally, they remove the Institute from listings of public bodies in the Trade Union (Facility Time Publication Requirements) Regulations 2017 and the Trade Union (Deduction of Union Subscriptions from Wages in the Public Sector) Regulations 2024.

The regulations came into force on July 2nd, 2025.

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Spurgeon’s College) (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Wed 4th Jun 25

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Spurgeon’s College) (Amendment) Order 2025 extends Spurgeon’s College’s authorization to grant taught awards until November 30, 2028.

The Office for Students made the order under powers in the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, having consulted relevant bodies on the quality of the college's education.

No impact assessment was needed because it's considered not to affect businesses, civil society, or the public sector.

The School Travel (Pupils with Dual Registration) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 3rd Jun 25

These regulations amend the 2007 School Travel (Pupils with Dual Registration) (England) Regulations to update the definition of 'child who has no fixed abode'.

The amendment replaces the previous definition, which referenced a now-revoked regulation, with a gender-neutral version mirroring the original wording.

The regulations came into force on June 30th, 2025, and apply to England and Wales.

The Higher Education (Registration Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Fri 30th May 25

The Higher Education (Registration Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective July 1st, 2025, amend the 2019 regulations to increase registration fees for English higher education institutions by 3.9%, aligning with inflation.

The new fees, payable from August 1st, 2025, are based on the number of full-time equivalent students and are determined by a revised fee schedule.

The regulations are supported by the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 and Treasury consent, aiming to fund the Office for Students' oversight of higher education in England.

The Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Wed 21st May 25

The Apprenticeships (Miscellaneous Provisions) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025, effective August 1st, 2025, amend the 2017 regulations to shorten the minimum duration of practical training periods for English apprenticeships from 12 to 8 months.

This applies to both standard and alternative apprenticeship arrangements.

The regulations were made by the Minister of State at the Department for Education and extend to England and Wales.

No significant impact on the public, private, or voluntary sectors is anticipated.

The Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025 (Commencement) Regulations 2025

Published: Wed 21st May 25

These regulations set the commencement dates for the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Act 2025.

Key provisions, including the transfer of the Institute's property, rights, and liabilities to the Secretary of State, come into effect the day after the regulations are made.

Further provisions, including the transfer of functions and the abolition of the Institute, take effect on June 1st, 2025, at 2:00 a.m.

The regulations aim to streamline governance and clarify responsibilities, but potential negative consequences such as increased bureaucracy or disruption to existing structures are possible.

The Cornwall Council (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 19th May 25

These regulations transfer responsibility for certain adult education functions from the UK Secretary of State to Cornwall Council.

Specifically, the transfer includes functions related to education and training for those aged 19 and over, including the provision of facilities and tuition fees.

However, some functions, such as those related to apprenticeships, adult detention, and regulatory powers remain with the Secretary of State, and others are to be exercised concurrently with the Council.

The regulations also amend existing legislation concerning financial resources and information sharing related to adult education.

The transfer is contingent on Cornwall Council's consent and a belief that it will improve the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of Cornwall residents.

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 19th May 25

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (Adult Education Functions) Regulations 2025 transfer specific adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the East Midlands Combined County Authority, effective August 1, 2025.

These functions, primarily related to education and training for individuals aged 19 and over, include provision of facilities, payment of tuition fees and financial resource provisions; however, functions relating to apprenticeships, individuals in adult detention, and the power to create regulations are excluded.

The regulations ensure the Combined County Authority operates under guidance and directions from the Secretary of State, and a report explaining the regulations' impact was submitted to Parliament.

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2025

Published: Mon 19th May 25

The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (Adult Education Functions) Order 2025 transfers specified adult education functions from the Secretary of State to the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The transfer, effective August 1, 2025, covers functions under sections 86-88 of the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009, excluding apprenticeship training and those concerning persons in adult detention.

Section 90 and section 100(1) and (1B) functions will be exercised concurrently.

The Combined Authority must adhere to Secretary of State guidance and directions regarding eligibility rules for awards.

The Order also modifies relevant sections of the 2009 Act to reflect the change in responsibilities.

The Childcare (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 19th May 25

The Childcare (Fees) (Amendment) Regulations 2025 amend the 2008 regulations, extending the annual fees for certain early years providers registered on the early years register until September 2027.

The amendment delays any review of these fees until after that date.

The regulations were made by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Education.

The Scotland Act 1998 (Agency Arrangements) (Specification) (Recognition of Qualifications) Order 2025

Published: Tue 13th May 25

This Order, made under the Scotland Act 1998, specifies functions of the Scottish Ministers related to the UK National Information Centre (UK ENIC) for recognizing UK and non-UK qualifications.

It allows the Scottish Ministers to enter into agency arrangements with a Minister of the Crown to manage this service, including contracting and fee administration.

The functions are linked to international agreements on qualification recognition, such as the 1997 and 2019 Conventions.

The Order extends to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland and takes effect on July 1st, 2025.

The Tribunal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2025

Published: Fri 9th May 25

The Tribunal Procedure (Amendment) Rules 2025, effective May 30th, 2025, amend several sets of tribunal procedure rules.

Key changes include clarifying that tribunals can set aside decisions on their own initiative or applications by parties, and mandating written notification to all parties when a decision is set aside. Additionally, a specific amendment restores community patient rights regarding hearings in health-related cases.

These amendments improve procedural fairness and address issues identified in past legislation and case law.

The Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills (No. 2) Order 2025

Published: Wed 7th May 25

The Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills (No. 2) Order 2025, effective May 7, 2025, appoints Jacqueline Anne Line and Nicola Mary Lownds as His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

This order is made under the authority of the Education and Inspections Act 2006.

The Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 (Commencement No. 3) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 1st May 25

These regulations, enacted under the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, bring several key provisions into force in England and Wales (and partially Scotland) on August 1st, 2025.

The regulations detail the duties of registered higher education providers, constituent institutions, and students' unions concerning free speech, along with related amendments to the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 and other legislation.

These actions aim to fully establish legal frameworks for protecting freedom of speech on higher education campuses.

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (National Film and Television School (The)) (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Thu 17th Apr 25

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (National Film and Television School (The)) (Amendment) Order 2025 extends the National Film and Television School's authorization to award specified taught degrees.

The Office for Students, following advice and established procedures under the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, amended the 2023 order to extend the authorization from April 9, 2026, to April 8, 2029.

The amendment ensures the school can continue offering its degrees without interruption.

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (ICMP Management Limited) (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Mon 14th Apr 25

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (ICMP Management Limited) (Amendment) Order 2025 extends ICMP Management Limited's authority to grant taught awards until November 29, 2028.

This amendment builds upon the 2021 order, altering its Article 2.

The Office for Students made the decision after consulting relevant bodies and following established legal procedures.

An impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to lack of impact on businesses, civil society, or the public sector.

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Architectural Association School of Architecture) Order of Council 2019 (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Thu 10th Apr 25

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Architectural Association School of Architecture) Order of Council 2019 (Amendment) Order 2025 extends the Architectural Association School of Architecture's authority to grant degrees.

The Office for Students, following established procedures and advice, amended the 2019 order to extend the authorization until September 29, 2028.

The amendment ensures the school's continued ability to award degrees while maintaining the established quality assurance processes.

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (College of Legal Practice Limited) (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Tue 8th Apr 25

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (College of Legal Practice Limited) (Amendment) Order 2025 extends the College of Legal Practice Limited's authorization to award degrees until April 29, 2028.

The Office for Students, after reviewing the quality of the College's programs and adhering to statutory procedures, amended the 2021 order to reflect this extension.

The amendment does not include an impact assessment as it was deemed to not affect businesses, civil society, or the public sector.

The Student Accommodation (Codes of Management Practice and Specified Educational Establishments) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 3rd Apr 25

These regulations amend the 2024 Student Accommodation Regulations to update codes of management practice for student housing in England.

Key changes include the approval of a new Universities UK/GuildHE Accommodation Code of Practice, the specification of educational establishments under the Housing Act 2004, and the revocation of several superseded regulations.

The amendments aim to improve standards, clarify application, and streamline the regulatory framework for student housing.

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Engineering College of Technology Limited) Order 2025

Published: Mon 31st Mar 25

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Engineering College of Technology Limited) Order 2025 authorizes Engineering College of Technology Limited to grant taught awards up to the master's level in specified engineering and technology subjects.

The authorization, effective April 1, 2025, and expiring April 1, 2029, follows advice from the relevant body and is based on the Higher Education and Research Act 2017.

The Order lists specific subjects covered and requires that award recipients be enrolled at the college at the time of course completion.

An impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to the lack of impact on businesses, civil society organizations, or the public sector.

The Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills Order 2025

Published: Thu 13th Mar 25

The Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills Order 2025, effective March 13, 2025, appoints several individuals as His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education, Children’s Services and Skills.

The appointments are made under the authority of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 and aim to maintain standards within these crucial sectors.

The Recovery of Costs (Remand to Youth Detention Accommodation) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 10th Mar 25

These regulations, effective April 1st, 2025, amend the 2013 Recovery of Costs (Remand to Youth Detention Accommodation) Regulations to increase the daily cost reimbursement the Secretary of State receives for detaining children on remand in various youth detention facilities in England and Wales.

The amounts are raised for young offender institutions, secure training centres, and secure children's homes (including a specific amount for secure 16-19 Academies).

The Teachers’ Pensions Schemes (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 10th Mar 25

These regulations amend the Teachers’ Pensions Regulations 2010, the Teachers’ Pension Scheme Regulations 2014, and the Teachers’ Pension Scheme (Remediable Service) Regulations 2023.

Key changes include updating references to outdated legislation, adjusting members' contribution rates, altering employer payment dates, expanding the definition of "contracting scheme employer," and clarifying the definition of "alternative amount." These changes aim to improve accuracy, clarity, and efficiency within the Teachers’ Pension Schemes while ensuring compliance with current legislation.

The regulations took effect on April 1st, 2025.

The Registration and Inspection of Education, Children's Services and Skills (Fees) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Fri 7th Mar 25

These regulations, effective April 1st, 2025, amend the Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Education, Children's Services and Skills (Fees and Frequency of Inspections) (Children's Homes etc.) Regulations 2015.

Key changes include lowering thresholds for higher annual fees for residential special schools and children's homes and revising various registration and variation fees across different settings.

The changes are supported by existing legislation and aim to balance resource allocation with fair charges.

The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025

Published: Thu 6th Mar 25

The Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 (Estimates and Accounts) Order 2025 designates numerous central government bodies as 'designated bodies' for the financial year ending 31 March 2026.

This designation is for their inclusion in the supply estimates and resource accounts of their respective government departments.

The order covers various government departments and agencies across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

It is based on powers granted by the Government Resources and Accounts Act 2000 and includes consultations with devolved administrations.

The Recognition of Overseas Qualifications (Charges) (England and Wales and Northern Ireland) Regulations 2025

Published: Wed 5th Mar 25

These regulations establish the fee structure for services related to recognizing overseas qualifications in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

They detail charges for statements of comparability, qualification reference statements, bundle services (standard and refugee-focused), and subscription packages to a qualification database.

Payment is made to the Secretary of State or a designated organization, with provisions for refunds.

These regulations replace the 2024 regulations, addressing drafting errors and incorporating feedback from devolved governments.

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (South Devon College) Order 2025

Published: Mon 3rd Mar 25

The Office for Students authorizes South Devon College to grant taught awards, including foundation degrees, starting March 17, 2025.

This indefinite authorization also empowers the college to delegate this authority to other institutions.

The decision is based on the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 and follows advice on the quality of the college's higher education provision.

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Norland College Limited) Order of Council 2019 (Amendment) Order 2025

Published: Fri 28th Feb 25

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (Norland College Limited) Order of Council 2019 (Amendment) Order 2025, effective March 13, 2025, amends the 2019 Order to grant Norland College Limited (company number 00193170) indefinite authority to award degrees.

The Office for Students made the amendment after consulting relevant bodies on the quality of Norland College's higher education and complying with notification procedures.

The amendment removes a previous time restriction on Norland College's degree-awarding powers.

The Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance (Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 25th Feb 25

These regulations, effective April 7, 2025, amend the Child Benefit and Guardian's Allowance (Administration) Regulations 2003, the Guardian's Allowance (General) Regulations 2003, and the Child Benefit (General) Regulations 2006.

Key changes include removing outdated provisions related to refugee status and marital status in eligibility for benefits, updating approved training programs, and adjusting National Insurance number requirements for younger parents claiming child benefit.

The amendments aim to streamline administration, improve clarity, and modernize the benefit system.

The Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025

Published: Tue 25th Feb 25

The Whole of Government Accounts (Designation of Bodies) Order 2025 designates numerous public and local government bodies to provide financial information to the Treasury for the 2024-2025 financial year.

This data is used to compile the Whole of Government Accounts, aiming to improve transparency and accountability in public spending.

The Order came into force on March 18, 2025, and applies to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

The Treasury consulted with Welsh Ministers where deemed appropriate.

The Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 (Commencement) Regulations 2025

Published: Tue 25th Feb 25

These regulations, enacted on February 25th, 2025, bring into force sections 4 and 5 of the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022.

Section 4 permits the use of languages other than English in legal proceedings, repealing the 1737 Act requiring English-only proceedings.

Section 5 mandates the Northern Ireland Department of Education to promote Ulster Scots in education.

The regulations apply only to Northern Ireland.

A full impact assessment was deemed unnecessary due to an expected lack of significant impact on the public, private, or voluntary sectors.

The Neonatal Care Leave and Pay (Consequential Amendments to Subordinate Legislation) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 24th Feb 25

The regulations implement comprehensive changes across UK legislation to accommodate the new neonatal care leave and pay entitlements established by the Neonatal Care Act 2023.

The amendments span multiple areas including social security, employment benefits, pension schemes, and various public sector regulations, ensuring proper integration of neonatal care leave rights with existing statutory frameworks.

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (BIMM University Limited) Order 2025

Published: Fri 14th Feb 25

The Power to Award Degrees etc. (BIMM University Limited) Order 2025 authorizes BIMM University Limited to grant taught awards, including sub-authorizing other institutions, for a fixed term from March 13, 2025, to March 12, 2027.

The Office for Students made this order after considering advice on the quality and standards of the university's higher education provision.

The order notes that no impact assessment was required because it doesn't affect businesses, civil society, or the public sector.

The Education (Student Fees, Awards and Support) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Thu 13th Feb 25

The regulations modify multiple aspects of student financial support in England, updating payment rates and loan amounts for the 2025/26 academic year.

Key changes include introducing lower fees for foundation years, extending support to bereaved partners of Gurkha and Hong Kong military unit veterans, enhancing disabled student allowances, and revising overseas territory definitions.

The amendments affect various existing regulations including student support, postgraduate loans, and fee limit conditions.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (Welfare Requirements) (Amendment) Regulations 2025

Published: Mon 10th Feb 25

These regulations amend the 2012 Early Years Foundation Stage (Welfare Requirements) Regulations to update the date referenced in regulation 3 to February 10, 2025.

This change is in response to a revised Qualifications Document outlining updated training and qualification requirements for early years providers.

The update facilitates the introduction of an experience-based route for early years practitioners to gain Level 3 status, impacting staff:child ratios.

The changes affect early years providers in England and Wales and are backed by the Childcare Act 2006.