http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/40/section/202Education Reform Act 1988An Act to amend the law relating to education.1988-07-29texttext/xmlenStatute Law Database2026-04-24Expert Participation2026-04-01 Education Reform Act 1988s. 128(1A)-(1C)Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022Deddf Addysg Drydyddol ac Ymchwil (Cymru) 2022s. 139(3)s. 19s. 148(2)Education Reform Act 1988s. 128(7)-(10)Tertiary Education and Research (Wales) Act 2022Deddf Addysg Drydyddol ac Ymchwil (Cymru) 2022s. 139(6)s. 19s. 148(2)Education Reform Act 1988s. 128(1)(b)(iib)Education Act 2011Sch. 16 para. 8s. 82(3)art. 2Education Reform Act 1988s. 128(1)(b)(iia)Deregulation Act 2015Sch. 14 para. 35s. 115(3)(g) Part IV2021There shall be a body of Commissioners known as the University Commissioners (in this section and sections 203 to 207 of this Act referred to as “the Commissioners”) who shall exercise, in accordance with subsection (2) below, in relation to qualifying institutions, the functions assigned to them by those sections.2In exercising those functions, the Commissioners shall have regard to the need—ato ensure that academic staff have freedom within the law to question and test received wisdom, and to put forward new ideas and controversial or unpopular opinions, without placing themselves in jeopardy of losing their jobs or privileges they may have at their institutions;bto enable qualifying institutions to provide education, promote learning and engage in research efficiently and economically; andcto apply the principles of justice and fairness.3The following are qualifying institutions for the purposes of this section and sections 203 to 206 of this Act, namely—aany university or other institution to which, during the period of three years beginning 1st August 1987, grants in aid are or have been made by the Universities Funding Council, or by the Secretary of State acting on the advice of the University Grants Committee;bany constituent college, school or hall or other institution of a university falling within paragraph (a) above; andcany institution not falling within paragraph (a) above which is authorised by charter to grant degrees and to which, during the period of three years beginning 1st August 1987, grants are or have been made by the Secretary of State.4Schedule 11 to this Act shall have effect with respect to the Commissioners.