LSST’s Degree Awarding Powers and Registration Category Applications Progress as OfS Grants Exception and Opens Investigation into Historic Partnership with BNU
By Kunal Chan Mehta | Article Date: 6 August 2025
The London School of Science and Technology (LSST) is pleased to confirm that the Office for Students (OfS) has reopened LSST’s applications for Degree Awarding Powers (DAPs) and Change of Registration Category (CORC).
In December 2024, the OfS announced a temporary reprioritisation of its regulatory work, suspending applications for new registration, degree awarding powers and university title. In a letter to LSST dated 22 May 2025, the OfS confirmed it would make an exception to the reprioritisation decision, stating it was “prepared to make an exception to the reprioritisation decision and progress your DAPs and CORC applications.”
This decision marks a significant milestone and reflects LSST’s long-standing commitment to delivering high-quality, independently governed higher education.
Clarifying the OfS Investigation
The same letter from the OfS confirmed it would open an investigation related to LSST’s historic partnership with Buckinghamshire New University (BNU).
It is important to note that the OfS confirmed, “The decision to open an investigation does not mean that any form of non-compliance or wrongdoing has taken place.” The OfS also mentioned in their letter to us that our “applications for DAPs and CORC will be progressed alongside the investigation”.
We are one of few alternative higher education providers in the country registered with the OfS, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance. Given the regulatory concerns and widespread media coverage surrounding franchised provision, particularly involving non-OfS registered delivery partners, our formal partnership with BNU will conclude in 2026. However, LSST will continue to fully support more than 6,000 BNU-registered students, who retain full access to our teaching, resources and support services through to the completion of their studies.
LSST’s Commitment to Academic Quality and Student Experience
LSST has maintained strong academic partnerships with UK universities since its inception 22 years ago. We are one of the few alternative higher education providers in the country registered with the OfS, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and regulatory compliance.
Recent indicators of LSST’s performance include:
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF): Awarded Bronze in the latest national assessment, recognising quality across teaching, learning environment and student outcomes.
National Student Survey (NSS) 2025: Achieved a 94.5% overall teaching satisfaction rate, placing LSST among the top-performing institutions nationally.
Ofsted Monitoring Visit: Rated as having made ‘significant progress’ in two out of three key evaluation themes — a strong endorsement of LSST’s professional and pedagogical infrastructure.
LSST has secured the prestigious matrix (sic) Standard accreditation for its steadfast commitment to student success and offering high-quality student Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG).
Looking Ahead
We understand and welcome regulatory scrutiny, especially in light of recent events in the higher education sector. We remain confident and fully engaged with the OfS throughout this process. The reopening of our DAPs and CORC applications is a clear vote of confidence in LSST’s development and a testament to our academic and operational maturity. We look forward to building on this foundation to better serve our students, the wider higher education sector and raise the bar on compliance, transparency and student protection across the sector.
For additional information, please direct questions to LSST’s Public Relations Manager via kunal.mehta@lsst.ac.