The value of having a National Learning Framework incorporating school, college and higher education
A National Learning Framework could unify UK education levels, enhancing transitions, employability, and inclusivity for all learners.
Blog
The HEPI Blog aims to make brief, incisive contributions to the higher education policy landscape. It is circulated to our subscribers and published online. We welcome guest submissions, which should follow our Instructions for Blog Authors. Submissions should be sent to our Blog Editor, Josh Freeman, at [email protected].
Universities and the Teachers Pension Scheme: the time for change is now
The disparity in pension costs between TPS and USS schemes creates significant financial strain and unfair competition for modern universities.
Engagement and wellbeing analytics: the whole is greater than the sum of the parts
By Rachel Maxwell, Principal Advisor at Kortext. Data at the heart of student support A successful and integrated framework for academic support that is built around students comprises three core elements: data, theory and people. The university ‘ethos’ around student support frames the collection and use of data that in…
Challenging climate hypocrisy in higher education learning and teaching
UK universities must confront climate hypocrisy by reducing fieldtrip emissions and addressing the broader carbon impact of international student mobility.
Looking back at HEPI’s most controversial reports – including an unexpected one from 2024
HEPI Director, Nick Hillman, starts 2025 by looking back at some HEPI controversies from the last decade. New Year’s Day marked the first day of my twelfth year at HEPI. Over that time, I’ve had a hand in publishing (and writing) over 200 reports. None has stoked controversy for the…
Industrious Efforts
The consultation on the Industrial Strategy Green Paper closed at the end of November. Phil Ward, Director of the Eastern Arc research consortium (which comprises the universities of East Anglia, Essex, Kent and Sussex), welcomes the intentions of the Strategy, but questions some of the details. Since the last Industrial…
Nostalgia is holding Oxbridge back
Resistance to modernising Oxbridge reflects nostalgia for exclusionary traditions, despite evidence that small reforms could reduce systemic inequalities.
Is England really the world champion in overqualification?
England's overqualification issue stems more from a lack of middle-skill jobs than an oversupply of university graduates.
Brand or Bust: How Universities Can Thrive in the Face of Crisis
Integrating crisis management into brand strategies allows universities to turn crises into opportunities for growth and reputation enhancement.
What were we reading about higher education in 2024?
As 2024 draws to a close, Josh Freeman, Policy Manager, and the HEPI team look back on a remarkable year in higher education policy. We have a fantastic programme of events to look forward to in 2025, which you can read all about here. One of the best things about…