Search Legislation

Higher Education Act 2004

 Help about what version

What Version

 Help about advanced features

Advanced Features

Changes to legislation:

Higher Education Act 2004 is up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 25 April 2024. There are changes that may be brought into force at a future date. Changes that have been made appear in the content and are referenced with annotations. Help about Changes to Legislation

Close

Changes to Legislation

Revised legislation carried on this site may not be fully up to date. Changes and effects are recorded by our editorial team in lists which can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area. Where those effects have yet to be applied to the text of the legislation by the editorial team they are also listed alongside the legislation in the affected provisions. Use the ‘more’ link to open the changes and effects relevant to the provision you are viewing.

View outstanding changes

Changes and effects yet to be applied to :

Changes and effects yet to be applied to the whole Act associated Parts and Chapters:

Whole provisions yet to be inserted into this Act (including any effects on those provisions):

Part 1 U.K.Research in Arts and Humanities

F11Arts and Humanities Research CouncilU.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F12Transfer to Council of property etc of Arts and Humanities Research BoardU.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F13Expenses of CouncilU.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F14Returns, reports etc. by Council to Secretary of StateU.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F15PensionsU.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F16Accounts and records of CouncilU.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F17Northern Ireland: reserved mattersU.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F18Activities outside United KingdomU.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F19Charter of CouncilU.K.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10Research in arts and humanitiesU.K.

(1)The Secretary of State may—

(a)carry out or support research in the arts and humanities,

(b)disseminate the results of research in the arts and humanities,

(c)further the practical application of the results of research in the arts and humanities,

(d)establish advisory bodies for the purpose of assisting the Secretary of State in matters connected with research in the arts and humanities, and

(e)if the Secretary of State establishes such a body, appoint its members on terms which include the payment of remuneration, allowances or pension benefits to or in respect of them.

(2)The National Assembly for Wales (in this Act referred to as “the Assembly”) may, in relation to Wales,—

(a)carry out or support research in the arts and humanities,

(b)disseminate the results of research in the arts and humanities,

(c)further the practical application of the results of research in the arts and humanities,

(d)establish advisory bodies for the purpose of assisting the Assembly in matters connected with research in the arts and humanities, and

(e)if the Assembly establishes such a body, appoint its members on terms which include the payment of remuneration, allowances or pension benefits to or in respect of them.

(3)The Scottish Ministers may, in relation to Scotland,—

(a)carry out or support research in the arts and humanities,

(b)disseminate the results of research in the arts and humanities,

(c)further the practical application of the results of research in the arts and humanities,

(d)establish advisory bodies for the purpose of assisting the Scottish Ministers in matters connected with research in the arts and humanities, and

(e)if the Scottish Ministers establish such a body, appoint its members on terms which include the payment of remuneration, allowances or pension benefits to or in respect of them.

(4)The Northern Ireland Department having responsibility for higher education may, in relation to Northern Ireland,—

(a)carry out or support research in the arts and humanities,

(b)disseminate the results of research in the arts and humanities,

(c)further the practical application of the results of research in the arts and humanities,

(d)establish advisory bodies for the purpose of assisting the Department in matters connected with research in the arts and humanities, and

(e)if the Department establishes such a body, appoint its members on terms which include the payment of remuneration, allowances or pension benefits to or in respect of them.

[F2(5)The powers under this section to give financial support include, in particular, power to make a grant, loan or other payment, on such terms and conditions as the relevant authority considers appropriate.

(6)The terms and conditions may, in particular—

(a)enable the relevant authority to require the repayment, in whole or in part, of sums paid by it if any of the terms and conditions subject to which the sums were paid is not complied with,

(b)require the payment of interest in respect of any period during which a sum due to the relevant authority in accordance with any of the terms and conditions remains unpaid, and

(c)require a person to whom financial support is given to provide the relevant authority with any information it requests for the purpose of the exercise of any of its functions.

(7)In subsections (5) and (6), “the relevant authority” means—

(a)in the case of the power under subsection (1)(a), the Secretary of State;

(b)in the case of the power under subsection (2)(a), the Welsh Ministers;

(c)in the case of the power under subsection (3)(a), the Scottish Ministers;

(d)in the case of the power under subsection (4)(a), the Northern Ireland Department having responsibility for higher education.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I1S. 10(1)(4) in force at 16.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3255, art. 2

I2S. 10(2) in force for W. at 7.7.2005 by S.I. 2005/1833, art. 4(a)

I3S. 10(3) in force for S. at 31.1.2005 by S.S.I. 2005/33, art. 3

Part 2E+WReview of student complaints

11Qualifying institutionsE+W

In this Part “qualifying institution” means any of the following institutions F3...—

(a)a university [F4in England or Wales] (whether or not receiving financial support under section 65 of the 1992 Act [F5or section 39 or 93 of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (“the 2017 Act”)]) whose entitlement to grant awards is conferred or confirmed by—

(i)an Act of Parliament,

(ii)a Royal Charter, or

(iii)an order under section 76 of the 1992 Act [F6or section 42 or 45 of the 2017 Act];

(b)a constituent college, school or hall or other institution [F7in England or Wales] of a university falling within paragraph (a);

(c)an institution [F8in England or Wales] conducted by a higher education corporation;

(d)[F9an institution in Wales which is] a designated institution, as defined by section 72(3) of the 1992 Act.

[F10(da)an institution in England which is a registered higher education provider as defined by section 85 of the 2017 Act (other than one within paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d) of this section);]

[F11(e)an institution [F12in England or Wales] (other than one within [F13any of the preceding paragraphs] of this section) which provides higher education courses which are designated for the purposes of section 22 of the 1998 Act by or under regulations under that section;

[F14(ea)an institution in England (other than one within any of the preceding paragraphs of this section) which provides higher education courses leading to the grant of an award by or on behalf of—

(i)another institution in England within another paragraph of this section, or

(ii)the Office for Students where the grant is authorised by regulations under section 51(1) of the 2017 Act;]

(f)an institution [F15in England or Wales] (other than one within another paragraph of this section) whose entitlement to grant awards is conferred by an order under section 76(1) of the 1992 Act [F16or section 42 or 45 of the 2017 Act].]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I4S. 11 in force for E. at 1.11.2004 by S.I. 2004/2781, art. 2

I5S. 11 in force for W. at 1.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3144, Sch. Pt. 1

12Qualifying complaintsE+W

(1)In this Part “qualifying complaint” means, subject to [F17subsections (2) and (3)], a complaint about an act or omission of a qualifying institution which is made by a person—

(a)as a student or former student at that institution, or

(b)as a student or former student at another institution (whether or not a qualifying institution) undertaking a course of study, or programme of research, leading to the grant of one of the qualifying institution’s awards.

(2)A complaint which falls within subsection (1) is not a qualifying complaint to the extent that it relates to matters of academic judgment.

[F18(3)The designated operator may determine that a complaint within subsection (1) about an act or omission of a qualifying institution within [F19paragraph (da), (e), (ea)] or (f) of section 11 is a qualifying complaint only if it is made by a person who is undertaking or has undertaken a particular course or a course of a particular description.]

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I6S. 12 in force for E. at 1.11.2004 by S.I. 2004/2781, art. 2

I7S. 12 in force for W. at 1.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3144, Sch. Pt. 1

13Designation of operator of student complaints schemeE+W

(1)The Secretary of State may, for the purposes of this Part, designate a body corporate as the designated operator for England as from a date specified in the designation.

(2)The Assembly may, for the purposes of this Part, designate a body corporate as the designated operator for Wales as from a date specified in the designation.

(3)The Secretary of State or the Assembly may not designate a body under subsection (1) or (2) unless he or the Assembly is satisfied that the body—

(a)meets all of the conditions set out in Schedule 1,

(b)is providing a scheme for the review of qualifying complaints that meets all of the conditions set out in Schedule 2, or is proposing to provide such a scheme from a date not later than the effective date,

(c)has consulted interested parties about the provisions of that scheme, and

(d)consents to the designation.

(4)If a body is designated under subsection (1) or (2) the Secretary of State or the Assembly must, before the effective date,—

(a)give the body notice of the designation, and

(b)publish notice of the designation in such manner as he or the Assembly thinks fit.

(5)In this Part—

(a)the effective date”, in relation to the designation of a body corporate under this section, means the date specified in the designation as the date from which the body is designated as designated operator, and

(b)any reference to the designated operator is—

(i)in relation to an institution in England, a reference to the body designated under subsection (1), and

(ii)in relation to an institution in Wales, a reference to the body designated under subsection (2).

Commencement Information

I8S. 13 in force for E. at 1.11.2004 by S.I. 2004/2781, art. 2

I9S. 13 in force for W. at 1.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3144, Sch. Pt. 1

14Duties of designated operatorE+W

The designated operator must comply with the duties set out in Schedule 3 during the period specified in that Schedule.

Commencement Information

I10S. 14 in force for E. at 1.11.2004 by S.I. 2004/2781, art. 2

I11S. 14 in force for W. at 1.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3144, Sch. Pt. 1

15Duties of qualifying institutionsE+W

(1)The governing body of every qualifying institution in England and Wales must comply with any obligation imposed upon it by a scheme for the review of qualifying complaints that is provided by the designated operator.

(2)The duty imposed by subsection (1) applies from the effective date of the designation and ceases to apply only if the designation is terminated.

(3)The obligations referred to in subsection (1) include any obligation to pay fees to the designated operator.

Commencement Information

I12S. 15 in force for E. at 1.11.2004 by S.I. 2004/2781, art. 2

I13S. 15 in force for W. at 1.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3144, Sch. Pt. 1

16Termination of designationE+W

(1)The designation of a body under section 13 continues until it is terminated in accordance with Schedule 4.

(2)If the designation of a body is terminated, the Secretary of State or the Assembly must publish notice of the termination in such manner as he or it thinks fit.

Commencement Information

I14S. 16 in force for E. at 1.11.2004 by S.I. 2004/2781, art. 2

I15S. 16 in force for W. at 1.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3144, Sch. Pt. 1

17Privilege in relation to law of defamationE+W

(1)For the purposes of the law of defamation, any proceedings relating to the review under the scheme of a qualifying complaint are to be treated as if they were proceedings before a court.

(2)For those purposes, absolute privilege attaches to the publication of—

(a)any decision or recommendation made under the scheme by a person responsible for reviewing a qualifying complaint, and

(b)any report under paragraph 6 or 7 of Schedule 3.

(3)In this section “the scheme” means the scheme for the review of qualifying complaints provided by the designated operator.

Commencement Information

I16S. 17 in force for E. at 1.11.2004 by S.I. 2004/2781, art. 2

I17S. 17 in force for W. at 1.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3144, Sch. Pt. 1

18Provision where designation of operator to ceaseE+W

(1)Where—

(a)an agreement to terminate a designation has been made under paragraph 2 of Schedule 4,

(b)notice to terminate a designation has been given under paragraph 4 or 6 of Schedule 4, or

(c)the designated operator has ceased to exist,

the Secretary of State (in relation to England) or, as the case requires, the Assembly (in relation to Wales) may by order make such provision as he or it thinks fit for, or in connection with, the review of qualifying complaints.

(2)The provision that may be made under this section includes any one or more of the following—

(a)provision requiring the designated operator to provide the scheme in accordance with specified requirements;

(b)provision modifying, or requiring the designated operator to modify, the provisions of the scheme;

(c)provision about the fees payable under the scheme, including provision requiring the repayment of fees already paid;

(d)provision for a specified person to take over provision of the scheme;

(e)provision for any provision of this Part that applies in relation to a scheme provided by the designated operator to apply (with or without modifications) in relation to a scheme provided by a person specified by virtue of paragraph (d);

(f)provision for a specified person to review qualifying complaints, or specified descriptions of qualifying complaints, otherwise than under the scheme;

(g)provision requiring the payment of fees by the governing bodies of qualifying institutions to a person specified by virtue of paragraph (f);

(h)provision requiring the designated operator to provide such information and assistance as the Secretary of State or the Assembly considers necessary—

(i)for the Secretary of State or the Assembly to make provision under this section; or

(ii)for any person to comply with, or act under or in accordance with, provision made under this section.

(3)The Secretary of State or the Assembly may be specified by virtue of subsection (2)(d), but not by virtue of subsection (2)(f).

(4)In this section—

  • the scheme” means the scheme for the review of qualifying complaints that the designated operator provides or has been providing;

  • specified” means specified in an order under this section.

Commencement Information

I18S. 18 in force for E. at 1.11.2004 by S.I. 2004/2781, art. 2

I19S. 18 in force for W. at 1.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3144, Sch. Pt. 1

F2019Extension of time for bringing discrimination proceedingsE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

Commencement Information

I20S. 19 in force at 1.11.2004 by S.I. 2004/2781, art. 3

20Exclusion of visitor’s jurisdiction in relation to student complaintsE+W

(1)The visitor of a qualifying institution has no jurisdiction in respect of any complaint which falls within subsection (2) or (3).

(2)A complaint falls within this subsection if it is made in respect of an application for admission to the qualifying institution as a student.

(3)A complaint falls within this subsection if it is made by a person—

(a)as a student or former student at the qualifying institution, or

(b)as a student or former student at another institution (whether or not a qualifying institution) undertaking a course of study, or programme of research, leading to the grant of one of the qualifying institution’s awards.

Commencement Information

I21S. 20 in force for E. at 1.1.2005 by S.I. 2004/2781, art. 4 (with art. 5)

I22S. 20 in force for W. at 1.1.2005 by S.I. 2004/3144, Sch. Pt. 2 (with art. 6)

[F2120AInstitutions that cease to be qualifying institutionsE+W

(1)An institution that ceases to be a qualifying institution is a “transitional institution” during the shorter of—

(a)the period of 12 months beginning with the day on which it ceases to be a qualifying institution, and

(b)the period beginning with that day and ending when it becomes a qualifying institution again,

(and the shorter period is referred to in this section as “the transitional period”).

(2)For the purposes of this Part, a transitional institution is to be treated as continuing to be a qualifying institution during the transitional period, subject to subsection (3).

(3)A complaint is not a qualifying complaint to the extent that it is about an act or omission of a transitional institution which occurred on or after the day on which the transitional period began.

(4)In section 12(3) (power of designated operator to determine when certain complaints are qualifying complaints), the reference to a qualifying institution within paragraph (da), (e), (ea) or (f) of section 11 includes a transitional institution that was a qualifying institution within the paragraph in question immediately before the beginning of the transitional period.]

21Interpretation of Part 2E+W

[F22(1)] In this Part—

  • award” means any degree, diploma, certificate or other academic award or distinction;

  • designated operator” has the meaning given by section 13(5)(b);

  • the effective date” has the meaning given by section 13(5)(a);

  • F23...

  • higher education corporation” has the meaning given by section 90(1) of the 1992 Act;

  • [F24institution” includes a training provider in England who would not otherwise be regarded as an institution;]

  • interested parties”, in relation to a scheme for the review of qualifying complaints provided or to be provided by a body corporate, means—

    (a)

    qualifying institutions in England or Wales (as the case may be), and

    (b)

    persons selected by the body corporate from amongst those it considers to represent the interests of students at qualifying institutions in England or Wales (as the case may be);

  • qualifying complaint” has the meaning given by section 12;

  • qualifying institution” has the meaning given by section 11.

  • [F25training provider” means a person who provides training for members of the school workforce within the meaning of Part 3 of the Education Act 2005 (see section 100 of that Act).]

[F26(2)In this Part “governing body”—

(a)in relation to a training provider in England who, but for the definition of “institution” in subsection (1), would not be regarded as an institution, means any persons responsible for the provider's management;

(b)in relation to a provider of higher education designated under section 84 of the Higher Education and Research Act 2017, means any persons responsible for the provider's management;

(c)in relation to any other institution, has the meaning given by section 90(1) of the 1992 Act, but subject to any provision made by virtue of section 90(2) of that Act.]

Part 3E+WStudent fees and fair access

IntroductoryE+W

F2722Meaning of “plan” etc.E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

Imposition of conditions as to feesE+W

F2723Duty of Secretary of State to impose condition as to student fees, etc.E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F2724Condition to be imposed by English funding bodiesE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F2725Transitional cases in which condition must not allow fees to exceed basic amountE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F2726Regulations under section 24(6) relating to basic or higher amountE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F28 27Power of National Assembly for Wales to impose conditions as to student fees, etc.E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F2828 [F29 Condition that may be required to be imposed by [F30HEFCW]] E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F29S. 28 heading substituted (1.9.2005) by Education Act 2005 (c. 18), s. 125(3)(a), Sch. 14 para. 28(2)

F30Words in s. 28 heading substituted (1.4.2012) by Education Act 2011 (c. 21), s. 82(3), Sch. 5 para. 22(5); S.I. 2012/924, art. 2

F2729Sections 23 to [F3126]: supplementary provisionsE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

Plans authorising fees of more than basic amountE+W

F2730Meaning of “the relevant authority”E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F2731Director of Fair Access to Higher EducationE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F2732General duties of relevant authorityE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F2733Contents of plansE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F2734Approval of plansE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F2735Duration of plansE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F2736Variation of plansE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F2737Enforcement of plansF32...E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F3338Enforcement of plans: WalesE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F2739Review of decisions made by relevant authorityE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

SupplementaryE+W

F2740Provision of informationE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F34 40A Provision of reports, information and advice by the relevant authority in relation to WalesE+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F2741Interpretation of Part 3E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F27Ss. 22-41 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(2); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

Part 4 U.K.Student support

42Effect of bankruptcyE+W+N.I.

(1)In section 22 of the 1998 Act (arrangements for giving financial support to students), after subsection (3)(e) insert—

(f)with respect to the effect of bankruptcy upon a borrower’s liability to make repayments in respect of such a loan (whether the repayments relate to sums which the borrower receives, or is entitled to receive, before or after the commencement of the bankruptcy).

(2)In section 46(8) of the 1998 Act (provisions that extend to Northern Ireland), in the entry relating to section 22 for “(3)(e)” substitute “ (3)(e) or (f) ”.

(3)Subsection (4) has effect in relation to the Education (Student Loans) Act 1990 (c. 6) to the extent that it continues in force by virtue of any savings made, in connection with its repeal by the 1998 Act, by an order under section 46(4) of the 1998 Act.

(4)Schedule 2 to the Education (Student Loans) Act 1990 (loans for students) is to have effect as if in paragraph 5(2) (liabilities relating to student loans not to be included in bankruptcy debts) the reference to “any such sum” were a reference to “any sums to which this paragraph applies”.

(5)Nothing in this section affects any bankruptcy commencing before this section comes into force.

43Other amendments of section 22 of Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998E+W

(1)Section 22 of the 1998 Act (arrangements for giving financial support to students) is amended as follows.

(2)In subsection (2)(i), for “who have previously made loans of any prescribed description to those persons” substitute “ to whom those persons are liable to make payments ”.

(3)Omit subsection (7) (which provides that regulations made by virtue of subsection (2)(b) of that section are to be subject to affirmative resolution procedure in certain circumstances).

Commencement Information

I25S. 43 in force at 14.1.2006 by S.I. 2006/51, art. 2

44Transfer of certain functions to National Assembly for WalesE+W

(1)In relation to Wales, the functions of the Secretary of State under section 22 of the 1998 Act (arrangements for giving financial support to students) are hereby transferred to the Assembly, except so far as they relate to the making of any provision authorised by subsection (2)(a), (c), (j) or (k), (3)(e) or (f) or (5) of that section.

(2)The functions of the Secretary of State under section 22 of the 1998 Act are to be exercisable concurrently with the Assembly so far as they relate to the making in relation to Wales of any provision authorised by subsection (2)(a), (c) or (k) of that section.

(3)Regulations made under section 22 of the 1998 Act by the Secretary of State must provide that no provision made by virtue of subsection (5) of that section is to apply in relation to any loan made under that section by the Assembly unless the Assembly—

(a)has determined, in relation to any loan or description of loan, that repayments are to be collected by the Commissioners of Inland Revenue, and

(b)has given notice of that determination to the Secretary of State and to the person liable to make the repayments.

(4)The functions of the Secretary of State under section 23 of the 1998 Act (transfer or delegation of functions relating to student support) are hereby transferred to the Assembly so far as they relate to functions which are exercisable by the Assembly under regulations under section 22 of that Act.

(5)Until the commencement of subsection (4), the functions of the Secretary of State under subsections (7) and (8) of section 23 of the 1998 Act (power to make payments to body or person by whom function is exercisable by virtue of subsection (1) or (4) of that section) are to be exercisable concurrently with the Assembly so far as they relate to payments to any body or person by whom there is exercisable any function that will after the commencement of subsections (1) and (2) be exercisable by the Assembly.

(6)For the purposes of the Government of Wales Act 1998 (c. 38)—

(a)any function that is transferred to the Assembly by subsection (1) or (4) or made exercisable by the Assembly by subsection (2) or (5) is to be taken to have been transferred to, or made exercisable by, the Assembly by an Order in Council under section 22 of that Act, and

(b)in relation to any function which is taken by virtue of paragraph (a) to have been transferred to the Assembly by such an Order in Council, any reference to the coming into force of the Order in Council transferring it is to be read as a reference to the commencement of the provision of this section by which the function is transferred.

Commencement Information

I26S. 44(1)(2)(5)(6) in force for W. at 7.7.2005 by S.I. 2005/1833, art. 4(b) (with art. 6)

I27S. 44(3) in force at 1.9.2006 for W. by S.I. 2005/1833, art. 5A

I28S. 44(4) in force at 23.6.2006 for W. by S.I. 2005/1833, art. 5

45Supply of information held by student support authorityU.K.

(1)Regulations may provide that a student support authority may supply student support information of a prescribed description to a prescribed person for a prescribed purpose.

(2)A person may not be prescribed under subsection (1) unless the person—

(a)is the governing body of an institution with which eligible students (as defined for the purposes of the student support scheme) are undertaking courses, or

(b)is a person who appears to the Secretary of State or, as the case may be, the Assembly to be exercising functions of a public nature.

(3)Regulations under subsection (1) may not allow information to be supplied except with the consent of every individual to whom the information relates, given in such manner as may be prescribed.

(4)Subsection (3) does not apply to the supply of information for the purposes of any civil or criminal proceedings arising out of the student support scheme.

(5)Regulations under subsection (1) may provide that information may be supplied under such regulations only if prescribed conditions are met.

(6)This section does not limit the circumstances in which information may be supplied apart from this section.

(7)In this section “student support authority” means—

(a)the Secretary of State,

(b)any authority or governing body by whom any function of the Secretary of State is for the time being exercisable to any extent by virtue of section 23(1) of the 1998 Act,

(c)any person acting on behalf of the Secretary of State to any extent by virtue of section 23(4) of the 1998 Act,

(d)the Assembly,

(e)any authority or governing body by whom any function of the Assembly is for the time being exercisable to any extent by virtue of section 23(1) of the 1998 Act, and

(f)any person acting on behalf of the Assembly to any extent by virtue of section 23(4) of the 1998 Act.

(8)In this section—

  • prescribed” means prescribed by regulations;

  • regulations” means—

    (a)

    in relation to a student support authority falling within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (7), regulations made by the Secretary of State, and

    (b)

    in relation to a student support authority falling within any of paragraphs (d) to (f) of subsection (7), regulations made by the Assembly;

  • student support scheme” means the provisions of regulations under section 22 of the 1998 Act;

  • student support information”, in relation to a student support authority, means any information which the student support authority holds in connection with, or in consequence of, the exercise of any function relating to the operation of the student support scheme.

Commencement Information

I29S. 45 in force at 14.1.2006 by S.I. 2006/51, art. 2

Part 5 U.K.Miscellaneous and general

Staff disputes: jurisdiction of visitorE+W

46Exclusion of visitor’s jurisdiction in relation to staff disputesE+W

(1)The visitor of a qualifying institution has no jurisdiction in respect of—

(a)any dispute relating to a member of staff which concerns his appointment or employment or the termination of his appointment or employment,

(b)any other dispute between a member of staff and the qualifying institution in respect of which proceedings could be brought before any court or tribunal, or

(c)any dispute as to the application of the statutes or other internal laws of the institution in relation to a matter falling within paragraph (a) or (b).

(2)In subsection (1) “qualifying institution” has the meaning given by section 11.

(3)In determining whether a dispute falls within subsection (1)(b) it is to be assumed that the visitor does not have jurisdiction to determine the dispute.

(4)Section 206 of the Education Reform Act 1988 (c. 40) (which is superseded by subsection (1)) shall cease to have effect.

Commencement Information

I30S. 46 in force for W. at 1.1.2005 by S.I. 2004/3144, Sch. Pt. 2 (with art. 6)

I31S. 46 in force for E. at 1.1.2005 by S.I. 2004/2781, art. 4 (with art. 5)

GeneralU.K.

47Orders and regulationsU.K.

(1)Any power—

(a)of the Secretary of State or the Assembly to make an order or regulations under this Act, or

(b)of the Scottish Ministers to make an order under this Act,

is exercisable by statutory instrument.

(2)Any statutory instrument containing—

(a)an order made by the Secretary of State under section 18, or

(b)regulations made by the Secretary of State under any provision of this Act,

is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.

(3)Subsection (2) does not apply to—

F35(a). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)regulations to which paragraph 12(3) of Schedule 2 applies, or

F36(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F37(4). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(5)Any order or regulations under this Act may—

(a)make different provision for different cases or different areas,

(b)make provision generally or only in relation to specified cases, and

(c)contain such incidental, supplemental, saving or transitional provisions as the person making the order or regulations thinks fit.

(6)Nothing in this Act is to be regarded as affecting the generality of subsection (5).

Textual Amendments

F35S. 47(3)(a) omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(3)(a); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F36S. 47(3)(c) omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(3)(a); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

F37S. 47(4) omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(3)(b); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

48General interpretationU.K.

In this Act—

  • the 1992 Act” means the Further and Higher Education Act 1992 (c. 13);

  • F38...

  • the 1998 Act” means the Teaching and Higher Education Act 1998 (c. 30);

  • F39...

  • the Assembly” means the National Assembly for Wales.

Textual Amendments

F38Words in s. 48 repealed (1.9.2005) by Education Act 2005 (c. 18), s. 125(3)(a), (b), Sch. 19 Pt. 3

F39Words in s. 48 omitted (1.4.2018) by virtue of Higher Education and Research Act 2017 (c. 29), s. 124(5), Sch. 11 para. 30(4); S.I. 2018/241, reg. 2(s) (with transitional and savings provisions in S.I. 2018/245, regs. 2, 3, 13-16)

49Consequential amendmentsE+W

Schedule 6 contains amendments related to the provisions of this Act.

Commencement Information

I32S. 49 partly in force; s. 49 in force for certain purposes at Royal Assent, see s. 52(1)

I33S. 49 in force for specified purposes at 16.12.2004 by S.I. 2004/3255, art. 2

I34S. 49 in force for specified purposes at 1.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/767, art. 2

I35S. 49 in force for specified purposes for W. at 7.7.2005 by S.I. 2005/1833, art. 4(c)

I36S. 49 in force at 14.1.2006 for specified purposes by S.I. 2006/51, art. 2

I37S. 49 in force at 31.3.2011 for specified purposes for W. by S.I. 2011/297, art. 4(e)

50RepealsE+W

Schedule 7 contains repeals.

Commencement Information

I38S. 50 in force for specified purposes for E. at 1.1.2005 by S.I. 2004/2781, art. 4

I39S. 50 in force for specified purposes for W. at 1.1.2005 by S.I. 2004/3144, Sch. Pt. 2

I40S. 50 in force for specified purposes at 1.4.2005 by S.I. 2005/767, art. 2

I41S. 50 in force for specified purposes for W. at 7.7.2005 by S.I. 2005/1833, art. 4(d)

I42S. 50 in force at 14.1.2006 for specified purposes by S.I. 2006/51, art. 2

I43S. 50 in force at 31.3.2011 for specified purposes for W. by S.I. 2011/297, art. 4(f)

51Financial provisionsU.K.

(1)There shall be paid out of money provided by Parliament—

(a)any expenditure incurred by the Secretary of State by virtue of this Act, and

(b)any increase attributable to this Act in the sums which by virtue of any other Act are payable out of money so provided.

(2)There shall be paid into the Consolidated Fund any sums received by a Minister of the Crown by virtue of this Act.

52CommencementU.K.

(1)The following provisions come into force on the passing of this Act—

  • section 22, so far as relating to England;

  • section 24(6), so far as enabling regulations to be made;

  • section 26;

  • section 29, so far as relating to England;

  • section 30(1), so far as relating to England;

  • section 31;

  • section 32(1);

  • sections 33 and 34, so far as relating to England;

  • sections 35 to 37, so far as enabling regulations to be made in relation to England;

  • section 39, so far as relating to England;

  • section 40;

  • section 41, so far as relating to England;

  • section 42;

  • sections 47 and 48;

  • section 51, this section and sections 53 and 54;

  • Schedule 5; and

  • paragraph 1 of Schedule 6 and, so far as relating to the Director of Fair Access to Higher Education, paragraphs 4 and 10 of that Schedule (and section 49 so far as relating to those provisions).

(2)The following provisions (so far as not coming into force in accordance with subsection (1)) come into force in accordance with provision made by the Secretary of State by order—

  • Part 1, except section 10(2) and (3);

  • section 19;

  • section 23;

  • section 37;

  • section 43;

  • section 45;

  • paragraphs 2 to 6 and 9 and 10 of Schedule 6 (and section 49 so far as relating to those paragraphs); and

  • in Schedule 7, the repeals in the Superannuation Act 1972 (c. 11) and in section 22 of the 1998 Act (and section 50 so far as relating to those repeals).

(3)The following provisions come into force in accordance with provision made by the Assembly by order—

  • section 10(2);

  • sections 27 and 28;

  • section 30(2) and (3);

  • section 32(4);

  • section 38; and

  • section 44.

(4)The Assembly may not make an order under subsection (3) in relation to section 44 except with the agreement of the Secretary of State.

(5)Section 10(3) comes into force in accordance with provision made by the Scottish Ministers by order.

(6)Except as provided by subsections (1) to (5), the provisions of this Act come into force—

(a)in relation to England, in accordance with provision made by the Secretary of State by order, and

(b)in relation to Wales, in accordance with provision made by the Assembly by order.

53ExtentU.K.

(1)Subject to subsections (2) to (4), this Act extends to England and Wales only.

(2)The following provisions also extend to Scotland and Northern Ireland—

(a)Part 1,

(b)section 45,

(c)sections 47, 48, 51 and 52, and

(d)this section and section 54.

(3)Subsections (1), (2) and (5) of section 42 also extend to Northern Ireland.

(4)Any amendment or repeal made by this Act has the same extent within the United Kingdom as the enactment to which it relates.

54Short title, etc.U.K.

(1)This Act may be cited as the Higher Education Act 2004.

(2)This Act is to be included in the list of Education Acts set out in section 578 of the Education Act 1996 (c. 56).

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Close

See additional information alongside the content

Geographical Extent: Indicates the geographical area that this provision applies to. For further information see ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

Show Timeline of Changes: See how this legislation has or could change over time. Turning this feature on will show extra navigation options to go to these specific points in time. Return to the latest available version by using the controls above in the What Version box.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

Explanatory Notes

Text created by the government department responsible for the subject matter of the Act to explain what the Act sets out to achieve and to make the Act accessible to readers who are not legally qualified. Explanatory Notes were introduced in 1999 and accompany all Public Acts except Appropriation, Consolidated Fund, Finance and Consolidation Acts.

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

Timeline of Changes

This timeline shows the different points in time where a change occurred. The dates will coincide with the earliest date on which the change (e.g an insertion, a repeal or a substitution) that was applied came into force. The first date in the timeline will usually be the earliest date when the provision came into force. In some cases the first date is 01/02/1991 (or for Northern Ireland legislation 01/01/2006). This date is our basedate. No versions before this date are available. For further information see the Editorial Practice Guide and Glossary under Help.

Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources