Written evidence submitted by the British
Accreditation Council (BAC)
The role of the British Accreditation Council (BAC)
in the quality assurance of independent education in the UK:
— BAC
inspects and accredits 556 educational institutions as of 18 May
2011, 29 of which are outside the UK.
— During
the course of the academic year 2009-10, around 230,000 students
were enrolled at BAC-accredited institutions.
BAC is a registered charity established in 1984 to
be the national accreditation body for independent further and
higher education, after the Department of Education and Science
withdrew from its central role in regulating this sector. Over
the next 27 years BAC's inspectors, many drawn from the ranks
of Her Majesty's Inspectorate, Ofsted and related agencies, have
carried out thousands of inspections of educational institutions
at no cost to the taxpayer, and BAC accreditation has represented
the sole public assurance of quality in an otherwise unregulated
sector. In this task BAC was joined by the British Council, which
offered the English in Britain accreditation scheme (now Accreditation
UK) for English language schools (both privately owned and those
attached to public institutions).
BAC's inspection process has been developed and refined
over many years, and is specifically designed to ensure that independent
education providers meet the necessary standards in order to provide
a quality education experience for their students. Independent
providers often differ significantly from universities: they may
have limited resources compared to a large publicly funded university,
they may offer programmes of study in a particular specialist
subject or training for specialist industries, or they may provide
a tailored programme of study for a limited number of students.
BAC has therefore developed its inspection and accreditation process
so that it can encompass the wide range of education provision
in the independent sector, whilst ensuring that certain minimum
standards are met in order to ensure educational quality across
the board. Our team of inspectors, many of whom have years of
experience of the independent sector, are adept at assessing independent
education providers and ensuring that BAC's minimum standards
are met. In order to meet the demands of a growing and diverse
sector, BAC has expanded its inspectorate to include experts in
a variety of fields, from aviation to performing arts.
The following information provides an overview of
BAC's accreditation process, and the attached appendix, "Independent
Further and Higher Education in the UK", provides further
detail on the sector.
BAC'S ACCREDITATION
PROCESS
BAC's accreditation process involves a rigorous on-site
inspection focusing on five areas:
— Premises
and Health and Safety
— Management,
Staffing and Administration
— Student
Welfare
— Teaching,
Learning and Assessment
— Management
of Quality
Applicant institutions must demonstrate that they
have met required standards in these areas and will only be awarded
accreditation once the independent Accreditation Committee agrees
that, following the consideration of the inspection report, these
standards have been met. Once accredited, institutions submit
to a regular monitoring process involving annual data returns,
financial analysis, and interim, supplementary and spot check
inspections.
The first stage of the accreditation process requires
the submission of a comprehensive application form with supporting
documents including corporate information, financial records,
professional referees for the Principal, a health and safety policy
and student and staff handbooks describing policies. The application
is reviewed by the BAC office and signed off by BAC's Chief Inspector.
If an institution is successful at this stage an inspection will
then be arranged. During the academic year 2009-10 BAC received
136 applications and of these 106 proceeded to inspection.
New institutions which are not yet fully operational
can apply to be an "approved candidate for BAC accreditation"
for six months; this involves an inspection of the first three
areas mentioned above which establishes the academic rationale
and checks that the premises, governance, policies and administrative
capacity are ready for the first student intake. The institution
will then be expected to undergo a second inspection covering
the remaining two areas and confirming the implementation of the
first three before the "approved candidate" status expires
in order to gain full accreditation. Established institutions,
however, with students already enrolled, must undergo a full accreditation
inspection focusing on all five areas. All accredited institutions
are fully re-inspected every four years and are also subject to
an interim inspection halfway through this period.
BAC'S ACCREDITATION
COMMITTEE AND
INSPECTORATE
The Accreditation Committee lies at the heart of
BAC's approach to independent judgment and decision making on
all matters relating to the accreditation of institutions. It
is composed entirely of volunteer members who have extensive experience
of further and higher education and are, or have been, senior
officers of organisations whose role is to oversee the quality
and standards of provision in a wide range of education and training
settings (including QAA, the Independent Schools Inspectorate,
the Council of Validating Universities and the Open University
Validation Services).
During the academic year 2009-10 the Accreditation
Committee met seven times and considered reports on 452 UK
institutions. The Committee makes decisions both on new applications
for accreditation and the reaccreditation of existing institutions;
as part of this process the Committee can choose to award accreditation,
to defer a decision on accreditation (pending additional documentary
evidence from the institution or a further inspection), or to
refuse or withdraw accreditation. In 2009-10, the Committee considered
237 inspection reports which required a decision on the
accreditation of an institution. Accreditation was granted
in 67.1% of these cases, while in the remaining 32.9% of cases,
either accreditation was refused/withdrawn or the decision on
accreditation was deferred.
BAC has a team of 77 experienced inspectors
engaged under contract, encompassing a wide range of specialist
subject areas. In the academic year 2009-10 BAC inspectors were
used a total of 771 times and carried out 616 inspections.
As part of the ongoing monitoring of accredited institutions,
24 spot checks were carried out in 2009-10, compared to
eight in the previous year and reflecting a commitment by BAC
to increase the number of unannounced inspections it conducts.
18 May 2011
APPENDIX
INDEPENDENT FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION
IN THE UK
This paper is intended to provide an overview of
independent further and higher education in the UK and to highlight
the particular areas of education catered for by independent providers.
The independent sector has grown significantly over the past few
decades to become an attractive alternative to the publicly funded
sector for many students, by offering value for money, flexible
modes of learning, intensive tuition, bespoke training and highly
specialist subjects and qualifications. The summary below looks
at some of the main types of education provider accredited by
the British Accreditation Council (BAC), highlighting individual
institutions to provide a flavour of the sector as well as exploring
some further characteristics of the sector through statistical
estimates. Not included within this paper is the UK's thriving
English language sector whose centres mostly are accredited by
the British Council in partnership with English UK.
Unless otherwise stated, the statistical estimates
referred to throughout this paper have been compiled from data
submitted by BAC-accredited institutions in their Annual Return
for the last academic year. The estimates reflect provision in
the sector for the period 1 September 2009 to 31 August 2010.
Analysis was carried out on the Annual Returns of 366 institutions,
with the results extrapolated to estimate total figures for 488
institutions, the number with BAC accreditation as of 31 August
2010.
There are around 1,300 independent providers of
post-school age education in the UK, including around 400
English Language schools accredited by the British Council and
around 500 further and higher education institutions accredited
by BAC. Some of these latter institutions are world leaders in
their field, or offer highly specialised qualifications which
are not available in the public sector and do not attract central
funding. Many provide professional development for particular
sectors, for example Non-Destructive Testing (the branch of engineering
concerned with all methods of detecting and evaluating flaws in
materials), training key personnel for industries such as energy,
construction and manufacturing. There are also substantial numbers
of study abroad programmes in the UK, often run by independent
institutions in partnership with overseas universities. These
programmes provide students with an invaluable opportunity to
immerse themselves in life in the UK, and benefit from a cross-cultural
dialogue with other students. Further detail of the range and
types of independent institutions in the UK is given below, divided
into broad categories reflecting the make-up of the sector.
HIGHER EDUCATION
Higher Education (HE) in the UK is dominated by a
publicly funded university sector whose reputation is amongst
the best in the world. While there are only a few examples of
non-publicly funded institutions with their own degree-awarding
powers (including BPP University College, a BAC-accredited institution
until its recent change in status), an increasing number of UK
and overseas universities have formed partnerships with independent
institutions in the UK in order to widen access to their degree
and non-degree programmes, allowing domestic and international
students to study at a nearby private college often at a substantially
lower cost. In addition, many independent institutions offer courses
leading to a non-degree HE award (QCF levels 4-7) from a national,
Ofqual-recognised awarding body or chartered institute. Both types
of HE course form part or all of the provision at a significant
number of BAC-accredited institutions.
Our analysis of 2009-10 annual returns and external
sources suggest that as of April 2011:
— 217
institutions offered some HE provision, comprising:
— 691
degree courses (577 UK degree courses);
— 514
other university-validated courses (314 UK university-validated);
— These
institutions had links with 78 UK universities and 73 overseas
universities (the latter includes universities linked to around
30 UK-based providers of study abroad placements).
— 36,462
students enrolled on degree courses at BAC-accredited institutions
(31,614 for UK degrees)
17,663 students were enrolled on non-degree but university-validated
awards
(11,946 for UK university-validated awards).
— 70
BAC-accredited institutions were also Listed Bodies, as included
in the Listed Bodies Order maintained by BIS.
— In
2010-11, students at 46 BAC-accredited institutions received loans
from the publicly funded student loans system.
Regent's College is one
of the largest and most successful independent higher education
institutions in the country. It incorporates seven schools including
the Webster Graduate School and the European Business School in
London. Across the schools there are a wide range of programmes
on offer up to doctorate level; degree programmes are validated
by the Open University but Regent's College is also applying for
its own degree awarding powers.
ACCESS TO
HIGHER EDUCATION
Many students at BAC-accredited institutions are
studying with the aim of progressing to a higher education course
(usually a UK university degree). Many have achieved good academic
results in their own country but are unable to meet the entry
requirements for UK degree courses without further study. International
Foundation Year (IFY) programmes have flourished to fill this
need and provide students with targeted study so that they are
prepared for the demands of a degree programme. Independent tutorial
colleges also continue their long tradition of providing intensive,
tailored tuition at GCSE or A level, which paired with close pastoral
support and careers advice helps students to secure the qualifications
they need for higher education or the jobs market.
Kings Oxford, the first
college to be accredited by BAC in 1985, has a long tradition
of providing extensive support for students. Currently this includes
a "10 part promise" which pledges to support students
from application through to completion of studies; this involves
the provision of an individual Study Action Plan and a university
placement service for those aspiring to progress to a UK university.
CREATIVE AND
PERFORMING ARTS
Independent creative and performing arts schools
have thrived in recent years and enjoy a high reputation across
the world, encompassing drama, dance, music, fashion, flower arranging
and much more. Many of these schools can be found in the creative
hub of London, providing the best access for students to experience
their chosen profession first hand.
The Academy of the
Science of Acting and Directing offers courses for a range
of abilities, from industry novices to established actors and
directors, applying a methodical approach to both disciplines
which equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to
perfect their art. The Academy hosts three public showcases of
student work every year, as well taking several shows to the Edinburgh
Festival and the Podium Theatre Festival in Moscow. Recent graduates
have achieved roles in Steven Spielberg films, and won awards
such as Best Supporting Actress at the Kiev International Film
Festival.
SPECIALIST VOCATIONAL
Many independent institutions offer specialised vocational
courses aiming to equip students with a very refined set of skills,
making them highly employable on graduation. Alchemea College
of Audio Engineering is a specialist audio training college
which prepares students for careers in music production and film
sound. The College enjoys state-of-the-art facilities and runs
courses designed by industry professionals to ensure that graduates
are equipped with the skills which really matter when seeking
employment in this highly competitive industry.
In an entirely different field, the Gemmological
Association of Great Britain (Gem-A) first introduced a gemmology
qualification in 1908, and today offers Certificates and Diplomas
in Gemmology and related subjects. Students often join a programme
at Gem-A for further study as graduates, but the qualifications
also count towards a degree in Geology from Kingston University.
The Gem-A Diploma has worldwide recognition and graduates of Gem-A
run the foremost government and private gem organisations and
laboratories in China, India, Pakistan, Thailand and elsewhere.
BUSINESS AND
PROFESSIONAL
A large proportion of independent institutions in
the UK offer courses in areas such as business, law, and accountancy.
Some of these institutions, such as Kaplan Financial, are
part of a worldwide brand and many are applying for their own
degree awarding powers; BPP Professional Education has
already achieved this with its University College. Amongst the
more traditional qualifications, such as the MBA and the ACCA,
some institutions offer more specialised courses which specifically
train the future professionals in particular sectors.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious education is an area in which independent
educational institutions have proliferated in the UK, offering
both general religious studies programmes and specific training
for individuals aiming to become ministers of their faith. Many
different faiths are represented by these institutions which often
provide other services alongside their academic courses, such
as community work and public resources including library collections
or youth centres. Many institutions offer Bachelor's degrees validated
by UK universities and a significant number also run programmes
leading to doctorates. One such institution is Spurgeon's College
which runs Bachelor's and Master's programmes, and a Doctor of
Philosophy (all awarded by the University of Wales). Undergraduate
courses can be undertaken in various modes of study: the church-based
course is a more vocational method focusing on the improvement
of communication and leadership skills, whilst the college-based
course has a stronger emphasis on theological understanding and
analytical skills.
SHORT COURSES
Short course providers also make up a significant
proportion of independent education providers in the UK. These
include continuing professional development and short courses
such as the Research Scholars Programme run by the Hansard
Society. This is a 12 week, full-time, intensive research
programme split equally between an internship in an area such
as the Houses of Parliament, a Government department or political
party headquarters, and academic study. The Hansard Society enjoys
a high-profile reputation in the political world, and Hansard
Scholars are recognised as invaluable contributors to political
research.
THE ECONOMIC
IMPACT OF
INDEPENDENT FURTHER
AND HIGHER
EDUCATION
While we have not yet completed a full financial
analysis of the sector based on the accounts supplied as part
of the Annual Return, our preliminary findings suggest that BAC-accredited
institutions reported a total income from student fees of around
£1 billion in 2009-10.
Extrapolating from the financial reports of BAC-accredited
institutions leads to an estimated student fee income for the
1300 independent FE/HE institutions in the UK of around £2.5
billion.
STUDENT PROFILE
Our analysis of the students at BAC-accredited institutions
in 2009-10 suggest that:
— Around
230,000 students were enrolled at a BAC-accredited institution
during the course of the year
— Students
ranged in age from 6 to 92, with most institutions enrolling students
in the 16 to 70 age bracket
— The
number of teaching staff employed was around 14,000 giving a teacher:student
ratio of 1:16
— Around
26,000 students progressed to courses at higher education institutions
- The following chart show a breakdown of the length
of course and mode of study (full time or part time) for students
in this academic year:
-
Students at BAC-accredited institutions are studying
for a wide range of qualifications, from short professional development
courses, to Master's degrees and Doctorates in a wide range of
subjects, to specialist vocational courses in preparation for
a highly skilled trade. Many are studying with the aim of progressing
to a UK university whether this is via an International Foundation
Year programme, or by taking GCSEs and A levels at an independent
tutorial college. The breadth and depth of independent further
and higher education in the UK is reflected in the wide range
of provision at BAC-accredited institutions, and in the talented
and diverse student population they support.
CONCLUSION
The institutions mentioned above are a just a small
sample of the hundreds of specialist colleges, schools and academies
which make up the independent further and higher education sector.
Significant numbers of these institutions are world leaders in
their field, or offer specialist qualifications which are only
available in a handful of locations in the UK and worldwide. Many
more independent institutions offer international students the
opportunity to study to a level which they cannot achieve in their
own country, and thus dramatically improve their employability
in their home nation. Recent changes to Tier 4 of the Points-Based
Immigration System are having a very significant impact on the
viability of many of these institutions, without which the breadth
and depth of educational provision in the UK would be severely
diminished.
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