- A new report by the Education Committee warns that a university in England faces a "real risk" of closure due to insolvency for the first time, which could be "catastrophic" for students, staff, and local communities.
- The Office for Students (OfS) informed MPs that 24 higher education providers are at risk of insolvency and closure within 12 months, with 45 per cent potentially facing a deficit by 2025/26.
- MPs criticised the government for lacking a clear strategy to address university insolvencies, despite the higher education sector battling a "financial crisis".
- The committee highlighted that the sector's financial health is heavily reliant on international students, whose numbers are negatively impacted by current immigration policies.
- Recommendations include establishing an early warning system, strengthening student protection plans, and urging the government to consider the financial impact of its immigration decisions on universities.
IN FULL
Universities across England face ‘real risk’ of closure due to insolvency for first time
