Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps his Department is taking to increase the number of universities that offer foundation year provision.

We recognise that foundation years can play an important role in enabling students with lower prior attainment, potentially from disadvantaged backgrounds, to access high tariff provision. We also recognise their role in allowing students to switch subjects. Some universities are already using high-quality foundation years in ways which provide good value for these students, and we are pleased to support such universities.

We are committed to ensuring that all foundation years continue to provide good value for money and provide a distinct benefit to students.

We plan to consult on further reforms to the higher education system, including the treatment of foundation years, in summer 2021, before setting out a full response to the report and final conclusion to the Review of Post-18 Education and Funding alongside the next Comprehensive Spending Review.