Universities and colleges face investigations over grade inflation, says watchdog

There is a risk that if large numbers of students are handed top degrees it ‘could be seen to devalue the award’, Office for Students chairman said.

Lord Wharton, chairman of the Office for Students (OfS), has warned against degree grade inflation (Chris Ison/PA) (PA Wire)

Universities and colleges could face more investigations over grade inflation after they have failed to take “sufficient action” on the issue, the chairman of England’s higher education watchdog has suggested.

Lord Wharton, chairman of the Office for Students (OfS), said there is a “risk” that if large numbers of students are handed top degrees it “could be seen to devalue the award”.

He told the Industry and Regulators Committee in the Lords that the regulator is looking at what they can do to take action over the “significant” grade inflation