QAA completes publication of Quality Code Advice & Guidance
| Date: | September 23 - 2026 |
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QAA has completed the publication of its collections of Advice & Guidance to support the application of the latest edition of the UK Quality Code for Higher Education.
The current edition of the Quality Code was published in June 2024, following an extensive process of engagement, co-creation and consultation with colleagues from across the sector. The application of each of its Principles has since been supported by the publication of a collection of Advice & Guidance, mapped onto its associated key practices. The first three of these were published in summer 2025; the remaining nine have been published today.
The Advice & Guidance collections published in 2025 covered the following principles of the Quality Code:
- Principle 1 - Taking a strategic approach to managing quality and standards
- Principle 2 - Engaging students as partners
- Principle 8 - Operating partnerships with other organisations
The Advice & Guidance collections published on 23 September 2026 now cover the following principles of the Quality Code:
- Principle 3 - Resourcing delivery of a high-quality learning experience
- Principle 4 - Using data to inform and evaluate quality
- Principle 5 - Monitoring, evaluating and enhancing provision
- Principle 6 - Engaging in external review and accreditation
- Principle 7 - Designing, developing, approving and modifying programmes
- Principle 9 - Recruiting, selecting and admitting students
- Principle 10 - Supporting students to achieve their potential
- Principle 11 - Teaching, learning and assessment
- Principle 12 - Operating concerns, complaints and appeals processes
QAA has facilitated and curated the creation of these sector-owned documents, written by experts from across UK HE and designed to represent the diversity and convergence of shared perspectives and effective practices which the sector encompasses, and to address the emerging challenges facing higher education today.
Dr Andy Smith, Quality & Standards Manager at QAA, said: "The Quality Code encapsulates a set of principles which remind us what matters, and what we do best, in times of change, opportunity and crisis. It acts as a common point of reference for all higher education providers, no matter their size, history or profile. It articulates our sense of value and values, and represents a shared resource and focus – and a common bond – through which we can work to enhance quality, secure standards and champion the student at the heart of a truly transformative educational system."
Chloe Hastings, Quality Enhancement Manager at Ulster University, and a member of the writing group for Principle 4, said: "The Quality Code is one of our most important reference points for maintaining standards and quality, and for recognising where there is scope for enhancement. The Advice and Guidance is imperative for putting the Quality Code into practice: it helps us understand where we sit in relation to the wider sector on key areas and sets a clear benchmark for best practice that we can work towards."
Emma Wingate, Academic Collaboration Manager at Manchester Metropolitan University, and a member of the writing group for Principle 6, said: "This Advice and Guidance will be a useful reference when developing policies, frameworks and other documents relating to external reviews or working with professional, statutory and regulatory bodies. I'll use it as a sense-check to ensure my approach is aligned with wider sector practice and to identify any areas I may have overlooked. It's an effective way to build documents on a solid foundation and reduce the need for significant revisions later."
Dr Nina van Gessel, Quality Assurance Manager at King's College London, and a member of the writing group for Principle 7, said: "At a time of significant change in higher education, the Quality Code remains a trusted source of guidance and support. Through the new Advice and Guidance, I am confident that I have access to information that is current, comprehensive and presented in an accessible manner."
Ryan Girdley, School Director of Teaching & Learning and QA Lead at Lincoln International Business School, and a member of the writing group for Principle 11, said: "Principle 11 [Teaching, learning and assessment] is particularly valuable as we respond to the opportunities and challenges presented by AI in higher education… Having recently redesigned assessments to incorporate AI and authentic assessment, I see it as a practical framework for making informed, evidence-based decisions while maintaining academic standards. Beyond supporting individual decisions, the advice encourages a more thoughtful and reflective approach to teaching, learning and assessment. Rather than providing prescriptive answers, it prompts consideration of factors such as the student experience, capability and confidence, accessibility and inclusion, academic integrity and quality assurance before change is implemented. It also provides a shared framework for balancing innovation with academic standards, helping to ensure technology is used purposefully to enhance learning and develop the digital skills students need beyond university."