Colleges to be targeted over poor courses

Two thirds of awarding organisations - including exam boards and specialist colleges - are offering courses which are below par, according to a review by Ofqual.

The regulator said it was taking immediate action against a number of bodies, including withdrawing the right of an organisation to award qualifications.

Ofqual’s review looked at a sample of the degree or postgraduate-level equivalent courses offered to “Tier 4 visa” international students - those outside the EU who are paying for tuition in the UK - and to home students.

International student visas have proved controversial in the past due to allegations that they were abused by some to gain entry into the UK. As a result, the Government introduced measures to toughen up the system.