Latest data for decision makers
Author
Dr Rebecca Robinson
Updated TEF, visa, HESA, UCAS and student perception data point to emerging trends in outcomes, recruitment and delivery.
This snapshot focuses on what matters most for executive decision makers - how to interpret the data, understand emerging risks, and use evidence to inform strategic and operational choices.
The OfS published updated data in support of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). TEF data includes B3 outcomes data (continuation, completion and progression) plus student experience data from the National Student Survey (NSS) at provider level.
Implications for decision making: Despite ongoing uncertainty about how TEF data will be used in future iterations, providers can monitor these indicators to track performance against TEF 2023, identify trends and risks, benchmark against similar institutions, and allocate resources strategically
While the total number of sponsored study main visa applicants for 2025 was up 5% compared to 2024, numbers have been dropping in recent months, with the number of study visa main applicants in December 2025 (29,300) down compared to December 2024 (35,200).
Implications for decision making: The plateau in international student numbers is likely to continue as the policy direction of the new International Education Strategy and the international student levy encourage TNE provision rather than growing international student numbers, and providers should be aware of these trends in considering the balance of their provision.
The latest HESA student data was released at the end of January. Some key points of interest are a decrease in postgraduate taught entrants after significant increases through to 2022-23, and the continuing rise of TNE numbers, now close to overtaking the number of international students coming to study in the UK.
Implications for decision making: HESA data enables providers to contextualise and benchmark their internal intelligence and plan strategically to deliver a high-quality experience for current and future students.
Data from the January equal consideration deadline shows an increase in the proportion of UK applicants that intend to live at home – 49% this cycle, up from 48% in 2025. This figure has been steadily increasing since 2023, when 43% intended to live at home.
Implications for decision making: Demand for certain delivery methods and use of physical learning spaces and resources may be influenced by student demographics such as commuter students. Flexible timetabling, more hybrid or digitally enhanced learning, and academic and pastoral support that recognises different patterns of engagement are all important.
OfS independent research on student perceptions of changes due to financial constraints shows that around half have noticed measures they perceive as cost-cutting (52%) and 83% consider changes made have altered what they felt they were promised by their provider.
Implications for decision making: There is clear, actionable intelligence in this report: providers should focus their attention on where cuts are most visible to students (contact hours, feedback quality), where negative perceptions are the strongest and where communication could be more transparent.