Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what her plans are for higher education reform; and what the role is of innovation in that process.

The government is committed to setting out a plan for reform of the higher education (HE) sector by the summer, focused on five priorities. We will expect our HE providers to:

• Play a stronger role in expanding access and improving outcomes for disadvantaged students.
• Make a stronger contribution to economic growth.
• Play a greater civic role in their communities.
• Raise the bar further on teaching standards, to maintain and improve our world leading reputation and drive out poor practice.
• Drive a sustained efficiency and reform programme.

My noble Friend, the Minister for Skills, is working closely with Lord Vallance to build on HE providers’ already significant contribution to innovation, increasing their contribution to the UK economy.