The College HE project aims to obtain HE data from further education (FE) data collections across the UK.1 HE is a devolved matter in each country of the UK, meaning different regions can deliver policies specific to their needs.2 Varying perceptions of HE have emerged as a result. Finding a definition which can be applied across the UK will allow the College HE project to determine what data should be ingested and ensure all HE learners are included.
There are several pieces of legislation which define HE in the UK. The Higher Education and Research Act 2017 states that HE is any course that meets the definition in Schedule 6 of the Education Reform Act 1988.3 However, the Education Reform Act is only applicable to England and Wales. Northern Ireland and Scotland define HE courses in the Further Education (Northern Ireland) Order 1997, and the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 1992.4 While devolution permits formal divergence in definitions, in practice a degree of convergence appears to prevail, as we shall see.
Some authorities also attempt to define HE, providing qualification types, or a brief sentence, whereas, others do not explore the definition, leaving the term undefined.
The National Careers Service broadly define HE as courses and qualifications that can be taken after the age of 18.5 However, students across the UK are able to enter HE below 18. This is common in Scotland, with many students entering University aged 17.6 Therefore, using age as an indicator of HE does not offer complete insight.
